Medway has the finest naval traditions yet its own sea cadet unit has no permanent base to launch. It's even had to give away two rowing boats because of its plight.

The Medway Towns Sea Cadet Unit, at Brompton Barracks, lost its previous boating station at Upper Hard, Upnor, in June 2009.

It has been unable to find a suitable permanent place and are only able to practise sailing about once a month at Chatham Basin, near St Mary’s Island.

Cadet Lauren Wantling, 15, of Pump Lane, Rainham, said: "We have all the water on our doorstep and it is just not there for us to use.

"It’s a bit silly that we live on a river and don’t have anywhere to launch – unless we want to launch into a wall. We had to get rid of a couple of rowing boats because we didn’t have anywhere to store them either."

Sub-Lt Buck Buckingham, Commanding Officer of Medway Cadets, said: "It’s ridiculous that we live on a river and have nowhere to go."

Despite receiving a few offers, the unit has been unable to find a permanent position as most are out of the charity’s budget, with some quoting £10,000.

Other places have no storage facilities, meaning the cadets cannot leave their equipment on site.

Mr Buckingham said: "We have to raise all the money we spend because we are a charity, so every pound we spend on something is a pound that could have gone elsewhere.

"If we have expensive facilities, then we would have to increase the money we get from the cadets and we try to keep it at a minimal cost so that it’s affordable for everyone."

The unit has been unsuccessful in trying to get funding.

He said: "It is unbelievable that in Medway Council’s regeneration scheme allowance can’t be made for youth organisations to gain access to the water.

"Despite doing a lot with the council we can’t get any youth funding even though we are giving something to the community by improving the chances of cadets making something of themselves."

A Medway Council spokesman said: "The charities and voluntary groups that work in Medway, such as the Medway Sea Cadets, do an incredible job dedicating time and effort to supporting and benefiting the whole community, particularly vulnerable groups, and this work is truly valued.

"Like all councils, we have experienced a cut in our funding from central government, but despite this, have maintained support to more than 120 voluntary organisations."

She said the council runs a small grants programme and CVS Medway provides advice to voluntary groups.

For more details on the Medway Towns Sea Cadet Unit phone 01634 570171