Former Sea Cadet donates his boat to raise funds for the Gosport Sea Cadets

Keith Gooch © Ross Lucas-Young

Last month, former Sea Cadet, Keith Gooch, donated his beloved vessel, a 24ft motor sailor named Alexandra, to raise funds for the Gosport Sea Cadets.

Leading boat sales company, boatpoint, has offered its services to oversee the sale of Alexandra, which will be located and available to view at boatfolk's Haslar Marina. The Gosport Sea Cadets will use the funds raised from the sale to buy a replacement Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB), which will enable them to continue to deliver RYA level 1, 2 and safety boat courses.

Commenting on his donation, Keith said, "I had a great future thanks to my grounding as a Sea Cadet. When I decided to hang up my sea boots, I approached the Gosport Sea Cadets to see if they could make use of my 24ft motor sailor. I am very happy the funds from the sale can be put towards their fundraising project, and support the Cadets to keep helping young people be the best version of themselves."

Lt Simon Bush, Commanding officer of the Gosport Sea Cadets, was delighted to receive the donation. He said, "The Sea Cadets are instrumental in shaping the lives of countless young individuals, providing them with a solid foundation and empowering them to achieve their full potential. We are immensely grateful to Keith Gooch for his generous donation, which will enable us to continue changing the lives of our cadets now and in the future. As the Gosport Sea Cadets embark on their new chapter, they express their heartfelt appreciation to boatfolk, Keith Gooch and all those involved in this great occasion."

(L-R): Patrick Field, boatpoint yacht broker, Lt Simon Bush, Keith Gooch and Colin McLean, standing next to the donated boat, Alexandra - photo © Ross Lucas-Young

The Sea Cadet Corps is the longest serving national youth organisation and has been guiding teenagers for over 160 years. Unlike other Cadet forces, the Sea Cadets are a national charity, and each of the 400 units across the UK are individual charities, meaning the Gosport Sea Cadets, like other units, rely on fundraising efforts to sustain operations and deliver comprehensive training programs to 70 cadets aged 9 to 18.

For anyone interested in viewing or purchasing Alexandra, please call (+44) (0) 2392 414188.

For more information about boatpoint, visit www.boatpoint.co.uk.

For further information about boatfolk, visit www.boatfolk.co.uk.

For further information about the Gosport Sea Cadets, visit www.sea-cadets.org/gosport