Three intrepid students from St. Aidan’s High School battled the winds and waves while attending a sailing expedition off the West Coast of Scotland last week to learn new skills on sailing.
The three pupils learned a diverse set of skills, and gained the experience with Ocean Youth Trust Scotland. Ocean Youth Trust Scotland are an award winning sail training voyage team, allowing young people the opportunity to build self-confidence and experience the importance of team work. The Ocean Youth Trust believes young people can realise their true potential through the experience of sail training.
One of the students who attended the trip, Scott Young said “We learned a lot of skills about sailing”. Although most people might be put off by a high cost, Scott said “It was £1,600 each, but it was generously funded by Cashback Communities”. As quoted on Ocean Youth Trust Scotland’s website, the team empower young people to ‘Experience the need for teamwork and mutual respect’. Scott showed us the reality of this when he commented “We met some people from Clyde Valley High School and also made some new friends”.
As you would expect from open sea journeys, the young people experienced working in a variety of weather conditions, Scott mentioned “during the week was mostly sunny, although, some days were stormy”. As Scott saw lot of sunshine, another participant, Lewis Syme, Also a student who attends St Aidan’s High School said “The weather was cold, but it was a good laugh as someone fell over”. The Sea voyage team believe in giving young people an unforgettable journey, commented on by Scott as he said “yes, the trip was an amazing experience”. Lewis Syme was asked if he would recommend the trip to a friend, to which he replied “Yes, it was definitely worth while going to”.
Mrs Hyslop, Pupil Support Teacher, who initially obtained the opportunity for the participants said “The kit, if needed was provided by the Duke of Edinburgh Team so there was no cost to the young people and they all achieved an SVQ and an SQA Qualification.” She also stated that “They stopped at the isle of Buke one of the nights.” Overall the young people seemed to have an enjoyable experience and one they won’t forget.
