The young people that come on our sailing expeditions tell us about the best bits
- from barbeques on Sark; steering in huge waves; star gazing at night; laughs
getting to grips with cooking for up to 18 people at an angle. Getting away from
their usual environment and being treated as an essential member of the crew by
our professional sea staff is a welcome fresh start. Stepping ashore to explore
a port or anchorage after a challenging coastal passage is a unique and rewarding
experience totally different to stepping out of a minibus or car.
Challenge
Tall Ship sailing provides a challenging environment, one which encourages youngsters
to get the best out of themselves. Learning to handle a traditional sailing vessel
at sea and in all conditions tests the innate abilities of each individual to
the limit. Few young people ever have a better opportunity of finding out just
what they are capable of in such a way.
"Having to get up after three hours sleep was tough, but I'm glad we did
it. I think we are still getting on really well ….You have not only been
our crew but have treated us as friends as well." Kate 2003.
Achievement
Meeting the challenge and overcoming it brings a rare sense of real achievement.
Whether it is the satisfaction that comes from completing an offshore passage
and bringing the boat safely to its destination, standing a watch in the small
hours, mastering practical seamanship skills or the attainment of Royal Yachting
Association qualifications, every young person leaves with a definite sense of
having reached some personal goal.
"Achieved over and above the goals we set. We did allow emotions to come
to the surface which is something we don't usually do. We showed a human side
to ourselves. Learnt that evaluation and reflection is part of the process"
Voyage participant, Young Women's Self Esteem Group, 2008
Self Reliance
The sea quickly impresses on young people the need to be able to accomplish tasks
by using and developing their individual skills and abilities. The circumstances
in which they are placed encourage them to find the best in themselves and contribute
towards the achievement of common goals. This resourcefulness and decision-making
come to the fore almost without conscious effort.
"During the voyage our crew were made to feel an essential part of the
running of the boat and were given appropriate responsibilities which went a long
way to enhance their self esteem" The Zone, Personal Development Project
Leader 2008.
Teamwork
Important though the individual is, nobody can tackle the job of sailing a traditional
sailing vessel except as part of a team. Each activity - weighing anchor, hoisting
sail, bringing the boat about, standing watch - requires people to work together.
The teamwork which is such a natural and integral part of the experience when
the ship is underway is reinforced during off-duty hours, with everybody helping
to prepare meals, keep the boat shipshape and sharing friendly evenings in the
saloon.
"All the group learned a lot about sailing, and equally importantly about
getting on with other people, working in teams and taking responsibility for their
own and others' safety and success. Eating jointly-prepared meals, sitting together
round Leader's huge table was a memorable experience for these young people. They
each acquired new skills and self confidence which will move us forward in other
parts of their lives." Connexions Youth Service. Keyworker . 2007
Leadership
For many youngsters, this is likely to be the first opportunity they have had
to discover whether they have within themselves the ability to take charge of
situations, and take responsibility for others. Traditional sailing gives every
member of the group the chance to take the lead in various situations, and benefit
from the satisfaction of having done so.
"During my career as an Outdoor Activity Instructor with organizations
including Outward Bound and over the past 16 years as a teacher of science and
outdoor education I have rarely seen such rapid and lasting development as we
experience on a voyage with Trinity Sailing"
Principal, Eggbuckland College, Community Learning Centre, 2008.
Personal Development
This is an experience during which each individual will discover things about
him or herself. Young people are taken out of their normal environment and placed
in circumstances that encourage development of new skills and personal attributes.
Whatever their background, the groups of young people who sail with Trinity leave
at the end of their stay with a new outlook on life, aware of capabilities within
themselves that they had not previously recognised, and with a new level of self-esteem.
"Lots of natural highs and fun moments. Couldn't have asked for more in
the way of respect for each other and understanding. Gained a lot more confidence
in my ability to do things and be less afraid of failing. Less afraid to open
up and explain how I'm feeling. Excellent experience"
Student, North Devon Community College, 2008.
Relationships
Sea training is a unique way of breaking down barriers and building relationships.
Young people quickly realise that the challenges with which they are faced are
shared by everyone else on board. Strong bonds are formed between the members
of the group, and with their leaders and Trinity's professional sea staff. They
emerge with more positive attitudes about themselves and others.
"Some of our children are very volatile and find it difficult to tolerate
each other, adults and the pressures of school work without showing what is euphemistically
called challenging behavior. None of this was apparent during the week, and this
was very much due to the relaxed but businesslike way the boat is run." Teacher,
Residential School for children with emotional problems 2005
Leader
Length: 105 feet Beam:19 feet
No of berths, inc. crew: 17
Provident
Length: 95 feet Beam:17 feet
No of berths, inc. crew: 16
Golden Vanity
Length: 53 feet Beam:10 feet
No of berths, inc. crew: 9
Spirit Of Britannia
Length: 60 feet Beam:13 feet
No of berths, inc. crew: 14
