Sea cadets sailed back to their roots when they launched their new lightweight boat on Verulamium Park as part of a successful weekend.

Not only did TS St Albans win the first-ever Herts Dragon Boat Race in Stevenage, the following day they also launched the Trinity 500 on the St Albans lake – the first time they had done so since their boat shed was burnt down in the early 1970s.

The Mayor of St Albans, Cllr Annie Brewster, was at the lake for the launch of Trinity 500 and commented: “This is a historical moment. The lake is beautiful with its wildlife, but the lake is also for people and who better than St Albans Sea Cadets.”

And petty officer Steve Heard commented: “It’s been 40 years since we were able to use the lake but the new lightweight Trinity makes this possible again. We are particularly grateful for the support we have received from the Mayor in making this a reality for us.”

TS St Albans won the Herts Dragon Boat Race despite being a crew member down and Steve added: “It was great fun and we look forward to defending our title in 2015.”