A group of 9 Cadets and 2 staff from Selly Oak Trust School (KES) CCF travelled from sunny Birmingham down to Portsmouth where we boarded Tall Ships Challenger Yacht 1. During our 5 day sailing expedition the Cadets were responsible for all aspects of onboard living and travelling. They worked in two watches to complete the different tasks. The expedition was a mental and physical challenge unlike anything our Cadets had ever experienced before. They had to cope with learning the skills needed to operate a yacht such as deck preparation, engine checks, halyard rigging and sail hoisting. As well as this they had to work cohesively as a team below deck to ensure that our restricted accommodation was kept clean and that we were all well fed and full of energy by cooking our meals .
The majority of the Cadets enjoyed helming (steering the ship) the most. They challenged themselves by working as a team to sweat themselves up to the top of the 96 foot sail. Their effort was amazing and they all developed their sailing and interpersonal skills as a result. They took on responsibility as individuals and team members to demonstrate learning and, in some cases mastery, of sailing skills. I was proud to be accompanying them.
The expedition evidently developed resilience, self esteem and independence within Cadets as they completed each task with enthusiasm, self motivation and newly found confidence. I was able to witness them volunteer for tasks and share with others what they had learned in order to become an efficient team. Most Cadets have additional needs of Moderate Learning Difficulties, Autism or Communication needs so it was inspiring to see them communicate with other and strangers in a new and unfamiliar environment. Our school location is an inner city school so for some it will be one of very few if not the only holiday or adventure they participate in during their lifetime.
“I’ve loved learning about how the yacht can work from the Skipper. He has answered all of my questions and helped me be able to raise the sails by using the halyards and the winches. I would like to come back as a volunteer to be able to help other people get this same experience” – CCF student.
As a unit it highlights and advertises the amazing opportunities and experiences that can be gained from being involved in the CCF and helps with recruitment. It is also one of the highlights of our CCF calendar.
Our thanks to the Ulysses Trust for supporting this expedition which will be a stand out moment that will stick with the participants for the rest of their lives.
