SOUTHAMPTON Sea Cadets' boating season has been saved after a local company stepped in to build a new slipway.
As these new images show, DP World, a port operating company, assisted the local youth charity as part of their ongoing local community investment programme.
The slipway was constructed in collaboration with DP World’s contracting partner, Earlcoate, and will greatly enhance the charity’s facilities and make it easier for their cadets to take part in sailing and maritime activities at their base in Southampton, alongside the River Itchen.
Jonathan Scott, Head of Engineering at DP World, said: “We are delighted with the launch of the new state-of-the-art slipway, that will greatly benefit the local sea cadets club.
“We’re proud of our ongoing commitment to support local communities through direct investment, with the aim that we will establish a lasting and positive legacy across the regions in which we operate.’’
Andrew Moll, Chairman of Trustees at Southampton Sea Cadets, added: “The unit’s old slipway had deteriorated badly and was becoming hazardous.
“DP World, and their partners Earlcoate, have saved our boating season as we could not afford to refurbish the slipway ourselves.
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“Thanks to their generosity and work we now have a fantastic facility that supports our kayakers, rowers, and dinghy sailors and, I am pleased to say, the slipway was in use as soon as the concrete had dried. It has been a tremendous effort and we cannot thank them enough.’’
The Southampton Sea Cadets is open to young people aged 10 to 18. It offers a variety of different activities, ranging from sailing to powerboating, providing the younger generation with the opportunity to learn key leadership skills and gaining qualifications whilst being led by a team of volunteers.
DP World said it is committed to supporting the local communities in which it operates, including at its Southampton logistics hub.
This initiative follows the fundraising partnership announced in January with the Saints Foundation – the charitable arm of Southampton Football Club – and being awarded the ‘Best Apprenticeship Employer (Corporate)’ at Portsmouth Engineering Training Association’s Apprenticeship and Employer of the Year Awards in 2022.
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