While there is no cuddy, the internal depth of the hull and plastic matting on the deck allows her crew to shelter below the pontoons and out of the water in the boat. The helm position in the centre provides good visibility
as well as protection from wind and spray for the helmsman and the electronics. The centre console also houses the battery and an internal fuel tank. The space under the helmsman's seat provides more
storage. A further seat is fitted for'ard of the console with storage underneath. Even without a screen in front, this is still relatively sheltered for the crewman. She proved ideal for our purposes when matched with a 60hp four-stroke Yamaha. Above the motor is a frame which protects the engine and provides a towing point. The navigation lights are also fitted to this frame, with a detachable pole for an all-round white light. The thought that has gone into the boat also extends to the trailer. The jockey wheel is also the spare wheel and its mount gives a spare wheel hub assembly, good for those long tows out of town. The new Wavebreak will further the aims of Sea Cadets in Canterbury, which is part of the oldest youth organisation in New Zealand. They started in Dunedin in 1864, and while the aims have changed slightly over the years to now provide good citizens for the future, the cadet forces still use the traditions of naval training and discipline, along with boating and seamanship skills, to install confidence and teambuilding skills.
Sea Cadets use sailing and boats in general as a tool to foster teamwork and look after each other. They have the opportunity to sit New Zealand Coastguard Day Skipper and Boatmaster exams and use Yachting New Zealand's Learn to Sail programme to learn the basics of sailing. Cadets throughout New Zealand use 5m Crown sailing dinghies as their basic boat. Recently a number of RS Feva yachts have been purchased as an advanced training boat. With the addition of the new power boats, senior cadets will get the opportunity to gain Coastguard powerboat qualifications.
In addition to water-based activities, Sea Cadets learn
navigation, rifle safety, first aid, rope work, how to care for themselves and their uniform and naval drill. With the unit being out of action, the cadets are using Cass Bay for their water-based activities and have combined with TS Steadfast, the other Sea Cadet unit in Christchurch. With a possible total of 12 sailing boats on the water at a time, the unit is fortunate to have the extra safety boat, giving a total of five power boats. The more advanced cadets sometimes spend the day going for a long sail the length of the harbour, with lunch at Little Port Cooper, just inside the heads. The juniors make use of more sheltered water towards the head of the harbour, and if the tide is right they sometimes get the opportunity to do a day sail to Quail Island for lunch. The cadets put all their training into action during these longer sails. They must navigate to their destination, keep an eye on the weather to ensure the morning's forecast is still accurate, keep clear of other boats and ensure their boat is safe. This is youth training, so having access to good safety vessels is vital. These new safety craft fit the bill nicely. ■
