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Draft:Gary Grant Fletcher

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Lieutenant (VCC)
Gary Grant Fletcher
Born1982 (age 41–42)
Hillingdon, United Kingdom
NationalityBritish
Occupation(s)Technology Consultant, Marine Biology Researcher, Kayaker
EmployerRoyal Navy Volunteer Cadet Corps
Known forPaddlesport Advocacy, Marine Research, Historic Vessel Restoration
Websitefletcher.gg

Gary Grant Fletcher (born 1982) is a British technology consultant, marine biology researcher, and accomplished kayaker who serves as the Lieutenant and Deputy Commander of the Royal Navy Volunteer Cadet Corps (VCC). He is well-regarded for his contributions to the Ministry of Defence Cadet forces (VCC, SCC), paddlesport and marine conservation.

Early Life and Education

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Fletcher grew up in Hillingdon and developed an early interest in marine biology and kayaking, participating in various community based programs related to outdoor activities.

Career

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Volunteer Cadet Corps and Sea Cadets

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Fletcher has held significant leadership roles within the Volunteer Cadet Corps and the Sea Cadets, including the position of National Staff Officer of Paddlesport. Currently, as the Deputy Commander of the VCC, he manages the organisation's strategic initiatives and activities, advocating for youth involvement in nautical sports.[1]

Achievements in Kayaking

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Fletcher is recognised for his notable achievements in the paddlesport community, including:

  • Completing solo crossings of the English Channel, which have been documented in various media, showcasing his skills and endurance.[2]
  • Participating in Arctic expeditions, further demonstrating his commitment to the sport and adventure.[3]
  • Paddling across the Great Bahamas Bank, which has contributed to increasing awareness of marine environments.[4]

As recognition of these achievements British Canoeing the National Governing Body (NGB) for Paddlesport appointed Gary to the NGB Touring Committee, where he plays a role in developing Academic Policies related to paddlesport for the formal Qualification Awarding Body.[5][6][7]

Technology Consultancy and Marine Research

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Fletcher's expertise extends to technology consultancy, with projects that intersect marine biology and engineering:

  • He led the SeaQuest Project, a collaboration with RS Components aimed at designing a 3D-printed autonomous model boat to set a world record.[8]
  • He participated in the Diego Garcia Expedition, focusing on marine biodiversity within the Chagos Archipelago.[9][10]
  • He contributed to the Project Coral, achieving significant advancements in coral spawning techniques.[11]

Fletcher is also affiliated with Imperial College London as a Fellow, where he supports community-driven projects related to marine technology.[12][13][14]

Contributions to Maritime History

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Fletcher is actively involved in the restoration of historic vessels, notably the Gerfalcon, a Dunkirk Little Ship recognised on the National Historic Ship Register. This work contributes to conserving maritime heritage and educating the public about its significance.[15]

References

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  1. ^ "Volunteer Cadet Corps on LinkedIn: Introducing the newly appointed Deputy Commander to the Volunteer Cadet..." LinkedIn. Retrieved 2024-08-26.
  2. ^ Solo Channel Crossing. 2022-10-13. Retrieved 2024-08-27 – via YouTube.
  3. ^ Arctic Circle Expedition. 2023-03-21. Retrieved 2024-08-27 – via YouTube.
  4. ^ Great Bahamas Bank by Kayak. 2023-05-22. Retrieved 2024-08-27 – via YouTube.
  5. ^ "British Canoeing Awarding Body Technical Groups and Members".
  6. ^ "British Canoeing Awarding Body - Organisational Structure".
  7. ^ "British Canoeing - New Technical Group Members Announced". British Canoeing. Retrieved 2024-08-26.
  8. ^ "RS Components' SeaQuest: a 3D-printed model boat's journey of inspiring engineering innovation". RS Components (Press release). Retrieved 2024-08-26.
  9. ^ "Strengthening the worlds largest marine protected area" (PDF). Darwin Initiative.
  10. ^ "February 2013 Expedition Protecting the amazing Chagos archipelago". Chagos Conservation Trust (Press release). Retrieved 2024-08-26.
  11. ^ Craggs, Jamie (8 March 2014). "CORAL Excerpt – Project Coral: Inducing Predictable Broadcast Spawning of Stony Corals in Captivity". Coral Magazine. Retrieved 2024-08-27.
  12. ^ "Our team - The Imperial College Advanced Hackspace". 2020-05-27. Archived from the original on 2020-05-27. Retrieved 2024-08-27.
  13. ^ "Pop-up shelters and 3D printed boats: showcasing Imperial's innovative community". Imperial College London. 2019-03-18. Retrieved 2024-08-27.
  14. ^ "How to... Print prototypes for product development". The Imperial College Advanced Hackspace. Retrieved 2024-08-27.
  15. ^ "Gerfalcon: A 96-Year-Old Hero of Dunkirk and Royal Navy Auxiliary Patrol Vessel". Gerfalcon.navy. Retrieved 2024-08-26.
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