Sailing with OYT South
Comments from clients and young people each year since 2004
This is a look back at some of the feedback we have received over the years and the many and varied ways in which young lives have been changed by taking part in our voyages.
If you have feedback which you would like to send us, please email us. We are always interested to hear what people thought about our voyages – whether you sailed last week or you want to tell us that you still remember something about a voyage from fifty years ago!
2022
Early in the season we had a training weekend for new volunteers. One summed up the atmosphere: “It’s not very many situations where you would have so many people from diverse backgrounds and experience come together, work together … I can’t think of any other places where I have done that with such a diverse group of people and we made it work; and it’s been really nice talking to different people, getting to know people and having a bit of a laugh here and there. I really enjoyed that.”
After our annual voyage for exceptionally deserving young people chosen by our major sponsors MDL Marinas, skipper Holly wrote: “I’m quite proud of this voyage, in that I think it encapsulated why sail training exists: a group of very deserving young people from diverse backgrounds became a fun, supportive, and efficient team. We sailed decent distances, enjoyed downtime at anchor and whilst exploring new locations, and ultimately had fun with new friends. Everyone received a competent crew award, but the bigger achievement was ultimately the feeling we all got at the end of the trip: that of being a family. ‘You never would have known we were strangers at the start.’ It’s soppy but true! The sea staff created the most welcoming environment and tailored all activities to each individual’s needs, and because of this we saw the young people feel safe to talk to us and each other about their home lives, forging lovely friendships whilst doing so, whilst also pushing themselves in the challenge of sailing the boat. There was particular pride felt amongst the crew from having completed a circumnavigation of the Isle of Wight …. Overall, it was pretty magic.” One young carer said: “I feel like the best thing that has happened to me … I would definitely go on this experience again … I think the most memorable is probably everyone just getting along and just having fun because that’s really all that matters”. A 17-year-old who has faced a lot of challenges in her life said: “Loved the trip. It was a great way to disconnect from the outside. Hope to be back *soon*.”
Our Easter voyage included a lot of young people who had been awarded funding support for various reasons – there were lots of young carers needing a break from demanding home situations, and others with additional needs. They made exceptional progress during the week and on the last full day two of the young people led the sail hoists and they had a fantastic sail where it was really obvious how much they had learned – lots of tacking and gybing with young people carrying out their roles very effectively, understanding what they were doing. A 15-year-old said her best bit was when she and one of the younger boys were “cranking the winch because I would see him struggling and then I’d get my hands on there and we’d be going so fast. And the kind of euphoric feeling of how quickly we were able to hoist and tighten any ropes. And I’d say my best bit in terms of the most kind of challenging thing where I really felt like I pushed myself was with the mainsail hoist. That was a very kind of out of my comfort zone experience. And that helped me learn a lot.” A 13-year-old said: “My most memorable part is going on the bowsprit for the first time, and like seeing how good I am at heights and stuff like that”.
“I am really glad he went along, the recent loss of his mother has made him start to disengage so the fact he was able to get away and have some respite will have been really beneficial” – Young Carers support worker.
“Just to say a massive thank you so much for the recent trip that [my daughter] took last week. She had an amazing time and has not stopped talking about it. She enjoyed every single minute and thought the whole thing was fantastic…she has even taken “happy hour cleaning” to our home and also the washing up routine so, as a mum, I would like to thank you for that too!!! … She would definitely like to be considered as a volunteer for future trips. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.” Mum of girl who has used sailing to overcome bullying and lack of confidence
“Please pass on my sincere thanks to all who ran the voyage with M on board! Every now and again one encounters a young person who just has something about them that you know needs nurturing. He is an amazing creative person who needs to be able to channel his energy. I know he will have taken up a lot of time from staff, but I also know that this voyage will have meant a lot to him. The trip was paid for my fund raising from my friends. I’m sure, given the fabulous report, that they will be inclined to support a further trip. The report will be shared with the people who funded him, and be added to his Record of Achievements.” Headteacher from a Pupil Referral Unit for young people excluded from or unable to attend mainstream school.
On a voyage for children in care in Hampshire, a 14-year-old girl who lives in a children’s home said: “I loved every minute of it, it has changed my thoughts about going outside and getting stuck into things.”
Applemore College, near Southampton, had two voyages this year, funded by several charities and other donors. The first group consisted of 12- and 13-year-olds who were all in need of additional support for a variety of reasons. One said “I really enjoyed the trip as I needed to have a break because I look after my mum” (who has cancer) and another parent wrote: “Wanted to pass on a massive thank you to the team looking after Applemore college this week. My daughter was part of the group and absolutely loved it. She had a bit of a panic attack aboard but the way the staff dealt with her was perfect and we are both really grateful. Really impressed by how it is all run and the way the kids were looked after. She will definitely remember the trip for life.”
The Amber Foundation is a great charity which offers residential support for young adults who have been homeless, many with a wide range of other problems including a history of drug and alcohol use or domestic abuse. Many of this year’s crew declared mental health issues; but they turned out to be an absolutely fantastic crew, determined to get the very most out of the experience and fully earning all their achievements. They will be aiming to move on from Amber into employment and independent living, but many have relatively little to show potential employers, so the voyage report showing that they were able to learn new skills, work well in a team, follow safety instructions, turn up on time, and do their best even when finding things difficult, could be a real benefit. One said: “Best part’s the sailing mate, the sea’s beautiful, it’s relaxing, it’s really nice when we’re out there, I didn’t mind it when it was choppy mate, I was jumping up and down on the deck, wonderful” and another added “The experience was new, interesting and learning new skills and being in a supportive, up-beat environment is something I won’t forget.”
Also in 2022 we received the following email from a former crew member: “I went out on the Prolific in 2019 with some other care leavers from Worcestershire and I had a great time. After I finished I was awarded a certificate in sailing. As a result of this I’ve been hired as part of the sailing instruction team at a summer camp in Massachusetts. It’s really great how an opportunity like yours can open doors.”
A new client, Portsmouth Virtual School, sent an incredibly impressive group of young people in care, aged 14-17. Two had travelled unaccompanied from Syria and three from Afghanistan. Our staff said “they were an incredible crew, a real pleasure to have on board, and so thankful to have this experience and for all the opportunities they were offered.“ They came on board with two adult leaders, who said “My most favourite thing is watching you all laughing so much together and being kind, taking care of each other so much, it’s been amazing to see that in all of you” and “Excellent experience for our young people, they really enjoyed learning all the different sailing techniques! Thanks for all the patience with explaining to those with other languages! The washing up game was a hoot!” A girl aged 15 said: “This voyage has been much better than I ever thought it could be! The mates and crew have been spectacular there was nearly always a laugh and best of all when I first boarded I knew nothing of sailing now it’s all I talk about! I’m definitely considering applying for volunteering because I just had so much fun! Thank you.” A boy aged 15 said: “Everything was amazing and fantastic. I had a lot of fun chats with everyone had good time yeah.”
Alfreton Park Community Special School is a client which has worked with us for many years, sending students with some of the most complex needs of any voyage we ever undertake: over the years we have seen students with Downs syndrome, cerebral palsy, global development delay and more. Six students sail with one-to-one adult carers as the young people need help with washing and dressing, let along putting on lifejackets and moving safely around the boat. Feedback from the students themselves is necessarily limited by their communication skills – written feedback is not possible but many have difficulties with speech and understanding as well. But these were some of the comments from the carers: “Wow. What a week. Thoroughly enjoyed myself. Staff were amazing by explaining things and being great with the students. Food was fab. Will definitely come back, and recommend. Thank you”; “What a wonderful week and breadth of experiences for our young people, all of whom had such a brilliant time. The crew were so supportive and hard-working too”; “Another amazing week – the staff makes everyone feel welcome and settles us in well and the students. The staff were great with the students and their confidence just grew through the week”; and “Amazing week, all staff were fantastic, they included all pupils and adapted activities so they could be involved. Made us all feel welcome.”
Bruern Abbey, a Specialist School for Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and other learning difficulties, sent a group of boys aged 12-14 for a week of glorious sunshine. On the last day they did a fabulous job of taking charge of the passage from Cowes to Southampton with hardly any intervention from the staff. One of the boys said “My most memorable thing of this trip is probably working as a team to get back to Ocean Village. I really enjoyed it and it was the best thing of this trip” and another simply concluded “It was FFFFUUUUUUUUUNNNNNNNNNNNN”.
Next came a long-delayed voyage: back in 2019, Harris Merton school in south London booked a voyage for 2020 which was cancelled by Covid, and were unable to sail in our shortened 2021 season. So it was a huge pleasure to see them on board at last. This is a school with a high proportion of students from Afro-Caribbean backgrounds and many eligible for Pupil premium funding and free school meals. Their comments included: “I think the best part was going on the helm for a long time and being able to just go in a straight line fairly easily”; “The most exciting bit was the night watch, when we saw the dolphins”; “The crew and skipper are very nice and very fun and easy to work with !!”; and “I loved the trip and would love to go again. I also highly recommend for others”.
We also saw them noticing examples of how their confidence had improved over the voyage: “Spoke to more people, made friends”; “Being able to do things independently”; and “Feeling confident in steering”.
As we moved into the summer period, we started to have more voyages for individual bookings – and we managed our first Channel crossing since before the pandemic, sailing to Guernsey and Alderney with a crew of fourteen young people, six of whom were on the autistic spectrum or had experienced issues with mental health and anxiety. A 17-year-old who went into care after the death of her mother said: “Had such a wonderful week! Was very overwhelming because of all the happiness I got … thank you all, I have never felt happier … My most memorable bit I think is probably just the peace you got with yourself when you were like at sea and like everything just felt perfect. As cringey as it sounds … I just felt really at ease and just happy with myself, and yeah, it was just nice.” A boy who has been home-schooled due to anorexia and was using the voyage to rebuild his confidence around other young people while aiming for a return to mainstream school next year said: “My favourite bit was probably night sailing. Night sailing was amazing and just seeing the sunrise. … Most memorable, as I was on the helm and dolphins started jumping up right next to me as I was helming, yeah, that was amazing.”
Another voyage for individual bookings has a great trip to Alderney and back. Comments included: “I loved sailing, at first I was anxious but by the end of the trip I had made friends and don’t want to leave! Can’t wait to come back again.”
“Thank you so much everyone for the most amazing time even though half of the time I was vomiting, other than that I had the time of my life, this trip has made my 2022. Thank you all, I hope to come again.”
“It’s really hard to pick just one favourite bit, I really loved exploring Alderney, and I also really enjoyed feeling like I was improving at things, so helming on the first day, I was drastically swinging from side to side quite a lot but I think I got a bit better, and then in terms of understanding which ropes did what, that was also – I felt that I was learning things. And then most memorable would be crossing the Channel the second time, back and sitting on deck in these massive waves, just thinking, ‘we’re right in the middle of the Channel on a sailboat, how cool, this is just amazing.”
The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust brought us ten young men with experience of cancer. Their comments included:
“My best bit is a close competition between the teamwork and just working with everybody who, we were all just strangers about seven days ago. And now we’re a good, solid team, that’s just amazing … the most memorable bit, that I’ll tell my great grandkids, is probably just the ability for a boat to make a team out of total strangers. That’s special.”
“I think my favourite bit was definitely seeing dolphins. I’ve never seen them that close before and it was amazing. My most memorable bit was standing on the bowsprit and pretending to be Jack Sparrow, that was awesome.”
“I have absolutely loved my time on Prolific! From going on the bowsprit, to having lessons on ‘rules of the sea’ I would take this in a heartbeat. My new friends have been brilliant and I have been opened up to another future job opportunity! Will 100% be back!”
The MACS charity sends us young people born without eyes or with under-developed eyes, as well as a number of sibling carers. Several have sailed with us a number of times over the years and this opportunity to bond with friends who share similar experiences is enormously valued by all of them. Their comments included:
“I think my most memorable bit is seeing the independence of everyone this year, obviously like from previous voyages, but also from the start of the week. Like seeing how much everyone’s grown not only in sailing knowledge but just like personally as well, and how independent everybody is, and it’s just really nice to compare it to the start of the week but also previous years as well.” Another said: “It’s just been really nice to not feel like different for once because of an eye condition and to be with other people who are similar, it’s been really nice to get involved and meet people like that.”
Each year there are some new members in the group and this time one said: “The best bit would probably be how much I’ve surprised myself by how much I’ve loved sailing and being on the boat. I really feel like I’ve taken to it and I’ve enjoyed the whole week … I have loved my experience on board and I am thrilled that this trip has sparked a passion that I never knew I had. I would love to come back and am keen to potentially sign up as sea staff to make more great memories on this boat.” Another added: “Are there any objections to me taking the crown of being the most blind here? I’ll take that crown and wear it proudly, but obviously that brought many challenges, especially with this being a completely new experience. And so I guess I just wanted to thank you guys, I mean collectively, for making the adaptations that you did, and like trying to explain things differently. Quite frankly, it’s just not something you see every day.” And a third new crew member said: “My favourite part of the voyage was probably going out on the bowsprit, that was amazing, but also I think steering the boat because that’s something I’ve never done before, and the fact I was doing it all by myself at one point was pretty impressive, and I didn’t manage to crash it!”
One of the crew wrote to us a couple of weeks later: “Thank you for letting me sail with you. I had a really wonderful time and really enjoyed it. I have some very special memories. It was fantastic seeing the dolphins. The staff looked after us very well and one of the staff helped me when I had a bad nosebleed. The boat is very beautiful and very spacious. I’ve done 3 trips with you now and they have all been amazing and wonderful. Thank you so much.”
The next voyage was for a mixed group including a number of very deserving individuals with bursary funding. They said: “The most memorable bit will probably be how well we can sing Bohemian Rhapsody, again and again, and again. And again”; “My favourite bit about this trip has been doing it with everyone here. Couldn’t have asked for a better crew, couldn’t have asked for a better staff team, any of them”; “It was amazing and I can’t wait to do it again. Thank you to all staff and crew for being so amazing and you’ve brought me and everyone out of their shell to an amazing world at sea” and “It was a fantastic week with fantastic people. I made lots of friends & memories. It was also great to do something completely different and have a break from normal life.”
And one mum wrote to us: “I just wanted to say a massive thank you for letting him have a place on the voyage. I can’t tell you how much this kind of experience means to a child who struggles at school, rarely gets praised by teachers, often feels a failure, not reaching the mark, needs to try harder, could do better etc…etc…. What an absolute boost to his self-esteem this week has been … When he came home yesterday he was on such a high … Many many thanks to everyone involved, it is appreciated in so many ways.”
A late August voyage was notable for the artistic talent on board. Crew comments included: “My favourite bit probably was just seeing how well people got on with each other, like during dinner, breakfast, the amount of conversations that were happening was really wholesome and very nice to see”; “My most memorable bit was probably the 4am set off from Fowey. It was nice to set off quietly at night with a full head of stars above us”; “I’m not that great at making friends but I have made friends with everyone here and I think the trip went really good”; “I was pretty nervous as I got on the Prolific but after a day I felt at home because of the people and welcoming and kind atmosphere. Thank you sooooo much”; and “My least favourite part was probably realising that it’s not gonna last forever, and the fact that everyone’s gonna go home and do their own thing and we’re not gonna be kind of doing another voyage all together again.”
A mum wrote to us after the voyage: “I just wanted to drop a line to say how much my daughter enjoyed her voyage which ended last Monday. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her so enthusiastic both throughout the time she was on the boat and all she’s talked about since she’s come home. She loved the teamwork, the way the leaders knew how to get the best out of them all and of course living life at sea was amazing to someone who’s lived in London all her life.”
The summer holidays ended with a voyage from Poole back to Southampton where crew members said: “My favourite bit, I think that was actually probably doing where we were steering ourselves and planning our own route because that felt like a really big achievement … And then my most memorable bit was being on the net at the front and watching dolphins underneath, that was really cool” and “I would say that that my favourite part was either swimming in the sea or probably the night sail, looking out at all the lights in Southampton … And my most memorable part was either trying to helm in the choppy waters, or it was all the people that I’ve met” and “Really enjoyed my time on the ship through both highs and lows, I appreciated the challenge and fell in love with the sea.” And a parent wrote: “A massive thanks to the Skipper and team for leading such an incredible voyage and experience. My daughter has had a blast and the chance to escape the land and get out on the ocean in an amazing boat with great people has given her the boost she needed!”
Another mum who sent three children on two different voyages this summer wrote: “I wanted to say what an incredible experience all three of my children had on Prolific, this summer. It really was ‘one of the most awesome’ things they had ever done! and they all missed being on the boat for some time afterwards – (‘I miss the boat’, ‘I want to be back on the boat’ was heard for some nights afterwards!). It had obviously taken a really special place in their hearts. They all made great friends – and will be staying in touch with them, and they had huge praise for all the staff and volunteers who made it such a super experience … These people will be ones that stay in their memories forever; real role models to keep hold of, as they tackle life’s many challenges … Most of the magic and memories will be theirs to keep inside – but all the touches we heard about made it well over and above what we expected: e.g. the fantastic and plentiful food and the bedtime story for all ages – inspired. Parents and grandparents loved following it all on social media and in your newsletter – so thank you for that, and we have now discovered that shipping tracker apps are very addictive!! We hope they will be back for another voyage!”
One young crew member wrote after her voyage: “Thank you for giving me this awesome opportunity. Not only did I overcome my fear of sailing, but I also met some friends along the way. I was really nervous because I thought nobody was going to talk to me but I was wrong about that. I now also know how to take care of myself better. Looking at the sea was really calming and gave me a lot of time to think. The crew were really nice to me and made sure I was safe. This was a once in a lifetime trip.”
An early September voyage involved young trainee watchleaders and bosuns aged 17-24, on board for some intensive training to help them make the transition from taking part in evolutions on board, to leading them, teaching and supervising others. One said: “My memorable bit was when I was told I had to take down the mizzen and I had to lead it and I stressed myself out and I knocked my confidence by doubting myself and I was going like, ‘I can’t do it, I can’t do it,’ and then I done it and then Andy [first mate] took me to the side and he said, ‘you just did it, you can do it,’ and I think that was just like a really nice, just a really nice little chat”. Another said: “My favourite bit has just been really watching everyone throw themselves into leading stuff, it’s been really really impressive. But also how everyone else supported them when they were doing leading, that was really really good.” And a third said: “My favourite bit this trip was probably how confident I became learning how all the sailing procedures work, and all the different ropes, whereas previous trips I’ve not been that familiar with how it all works, but I’m definitely a lot more confident with it all now.”
A second voyage for trainee watchleaders was open to adults of all ages. One of them was working alongside a more experienced volunteer who is visually impaired, and commented: “The best bit I’m going to remember is when I’d finished helming and she wanted to come and helm with me and I was just really inspired because we were trying to work out how she, because she couldn’t see much, how she could feel it on her cheek, and it made me wonder about feeling the wind on my cheek and feeling the whole helming thing, and, you know, little moments like that during the week which were really inspiring.” Another said: “The best bit is 100% the people, everybody’s just been so supportive, encouraging, patient and just really excellent people to get along with. And the second best bit is when things start to make sense and you kind of see what is doing what and why it’s doing it, and yeah, that’s a really cool feeling”, and a third added: “The hardest bit very quickly became the best bit actually: coming here not knowing anyone, feeling like strangers and not really feeling like you fit in necessarily yet, and then becoming the best bit where you all fit in and it kind of makes sense and it is an eclectic group of people and we’re all different and when that slots together I think it’s better than if we were all the same types of people.”
Southampton International Boat Show asked us to organise a day sail for a local group based around the Port of Southampton. Redbridge School chose students who were involved in projects to develop either their resilience or their leadership skills, and they threw themselves into the day with a fantastic attitude: the school had worked with them on trying new experiences and having a go at things even if you feel nervous, and then feeling proud of yourself when you have tried it. Two staff members said: “A wonderful trip – loved learning new skills, the glorious weather and your fantastic staff” and “Amazing day out on the water in the sun. The kids absolutely thrived and beamed with smiles and enthusiasm all day. They even enjoyed the experience of eating something new at lunch.” Students said: “I loved learning with the crew about how to sail and navigation. I really enjoyed the whole trip”; and “I loved participating in the activities and learning how to be a ‘crew mate’. 10 out of 10, would return”. They all tried going out on the bowsprit: one said “I really enjoyed going on the netting, I was right above the water”; and the one who was most nervous of trying it wrote proudly: “It was fun and I tried the net of the boat.”
Shooting Star Children’s Hospices organised a voyage for ten young people who either have a life-limited brother or sister being supported by the hospice, or are from a family being supported by the hospice following the death of a child. A girl aged 14 said: “The whole trip was a really nice break for my mental health” and another said her best bit was “all the new people and how, I dunno, the connections that I’ve made between everyone, like from the beginning to the end it’s just got stronger and stronger … and the most memorable bit … all the new skills I’ve learnt, all the things that I was really nervous to do and I’ve gone, ‘I’m not doing that,’ and then I end up doing it and it’s been my favourite bit.” A 16-year-old told us later: “the voyage meant a lot to me as I met a lot of young people like me who have siblings with life limiting conditions like Nathan. It made me feel like I wasn’t alone in this world. Being a part of the crew and being on the voyage allowed me to experience being out of my comfort zone and becoming comfortable with that. I made friends who know what it’s like to be like me, and that’s so important.”
The Vyne School has a great track record of identifying students who are not settling at school or achieving their full potential, and running projects to turn things round before their GCSE years, so they stand every chance of completing school with doors open to them and positive options available as they move forwards. One of this year’s Vyne crew said: “I enjoyed myself it’s been good, I liked when we worked together as a team, I really enjoyed it, thank you for everything” and another wrote: “The staff were really nice, kind and lovely. I wish we could have done it for a week but I will miss them.”
A 14-year-old from Cowes Enterprise College told us: “Before the trip I was very nervous and didn’t want to do it. But the staff were lovely and helped me to cope with new challenges, they made it feel like home. I am so grateful for my experience and all the encouragement pep talks.” Another said “Favourite bit was probably driving into Weymouth, that was quite fun, managed to do it quite easily, was very happy with myself. And my most memorable bit was probably everyone getting along, being really happy, singing – yeah, the people, really, it was great.” And a parent commented: “Thank you all so much, he has really enjoyed his time with you guys, an amazing experience for him and it’s lovely to see him come out of his shell and his comfort zone. He hasn’t stopped talking about his time away which really isn’t like him.”
In October we had a training weekend for adults who are interested in joining us as sailing volunteers. One said: “Above all I have this real sense of the culture on this boat which I think is one of professionalism, it’s one of learning, one of team spirit, and importantly too, one of humour. I’ve really enjoyed it, favourite moment no doubt was having a cup of tea on the bowsprit, for those of you who said you wished you had the superpower of flying, I would liken it to that.” Another said: “I’d echo the professionalism and I think the standard of training is really brilliant and particularly I wanted to mention that all the permanent crew and the watchleaders were so good at giving instruction: you were making it very clear, and you were being very courteous and being extremely patient with us, and I thought your communication was really good and inspiring to draw out the best in people.” A third added: “One of the best moments was coming in and feeling immediately welcome and not really like an idiot or anything, and it continued the whole weekend so I suppose that’s also the most memorable really, just I think a few people mentioned about the culture and the atmosphere and it’s sort of easy going and fun and I also got a sense of what it might be like actually on the boat for the kids which is why we all do this and I’m certainly feeling more confident about doing that in the future and keen to be involved so thank you to everyone.”
Bruern Abbey School then sent their second group of the year – boys aged 11-13 with dyslexia or other specific learning difficulties. One said: “My most memorable bit of this trip was probably like getting to know more people, and all the skills I’ve learned from this sailing trip that I’m going to use a lot at school and everything.”
Outdoorlads is a charity supporting outdoor activity for gay, bi and trans men. Comments included: “The best bit was the way that the crew and sea staff gave you as much information as you could absorb, at the rate that you could absorb it”; “The best bit for me was steering to the anchorage last night. And I didn’t want to do it but thank you Holly [skipper] for being persistent, nicely. And empowering. I’ve learnt so much about how to drive, steer, whatever it is – obviously not the absolute correct terms, but that for me was an absolute thrill, so thank you”; “Thank you for a wonderful voyage and all the hard work the volunteers do for the charity. All the best to all the crew! Fair winds and following seas. Massive thank you for helping me discover a passion. I’ll come join you again!” and “An amazing Outdoorlads experience, the gay, bi and trans outdoors charity. Thank you so much for hosting 12 of us yet again, and for doing it with such care, patience, fun, inclusivity and brilliant practice. You are an amazing charity, the pre-event information is really excellent and there is a lot for Outdoorlads to learn about access, inclusion and outcome evaluation from the amazing team at OYT. Thank you for an amazing time.”
October half-term included a short voyage for a mixed group of individual bookings including a lot of very deserving young people supported by bursary funding. They gelled into a really effective crew and it was great to see people with complex home lives making friends and supporting each other. Comments included: “I think the best bit was meeting new people and making new friends and going on the bowsprit”; “My favourite bit about this trip is being able to steer, talk on the radio and being able to navigate on the map”; “I think my most memorable bit was using the fire hose, I think I had a bit too much fun with that”; and “Thank you so much, I hated sailing before but after this I enjoy sailing quite a bit. I would defo do it again and the staff were amazing. Thank you once again, I enjoyed it so much!”
The final youth voyage of the season was for east London charity Ambition, Aspire, Achieve, which supports young people from the borough of Newham and surrounding areas. One boy said: “I had an amazing five days, it was lovely, everyone was co-operating and it was lovely because everyone made new friends, they had fun, everyone had to work hard and some people even enjoyed sleeping on the boat … it’s an amazing cooperation where people can always go on the sea, do a lot of hard work, it’s like five days off from the land and you enjoy yourself on the boat, it’s like a new experience for everybody because some people haven’t been on a boat before, and it’s lovely.” Another said: “Loved this trip as it was my first time on a boat and would beg to go again.” One of the adult leaders who came with the AAA group told us: “A really good part for me was getting to see all the young people that I work with, working as a team together and putting their differences aside, and focusing on what needed to be done … Lots of learning and development made, thanks to you all”.
2021
A key feature of our return to sailing after losing a season and a half to Covid was to recognise that the pandemic and lockdowns had a profound effect on young people, in different ways. Some were just thrilled to be taking part in outdoor activities and meeting new people again, but others showed marked anxiety, mental health problems and more.
Two Hampshire children’s homes selected young people for a voyage and one later wrote: “I wanted to say a huge thank you to you and your team on behalf of our young resident who has had the most amazing time and has not stopped talking about the trip since we collected her. She has grown in confidence and has told us about all of the challenges that she faced during the voyage, and how she was encouraged and supported to achieve every challenge presented to her … She has been talking so positively about this experience I feel it has been the highlight of the year for her so far. She has spoken so highly of your team on board and how helpful, friendly and kind all the crew were to her for which I am grateful as she was initially very anxious.” A girl aged 16 told us the best bit was: “Probably just meeting everyone and getting to know people, ‘cos of lockdown and we haven’t been able to go out and stuff, it’s just so much nicer to just meet loads more new people… Really fun, enjoyed every minute of the trip. Got to learn loads of new things and learned how to work better in a group. Very educational.”
After another voyage, a parent wrote: “[My daughter] had a great time on her recent voyage and I think this was a great way for her to end a stressful school year … I wanted to thank you, and OYT South for the opportunities you have given her. She has faced many challenges in the last few years and your work has helped towards giving her the tools and confidence to realise she is as able and deserving as others to achieve.”
Another parent said: “Our daughter has spent all afternoon travelling back home, regaling us with her experiences and how much fun she had working alongside friendly and supportive crew and volunteers … Hope the season continues to bring many more sailing positives, you achieve lots more successes and awards. Your ‘training’ ethos is fantastic and your reputation second to none.”
Many crew members sailing in 2021 had initially booked as far back as 2019 and waited a long time to sail after all 2020 voyages were cancelled. Another parent wrote at the end of a voyage: “As you know, the initial voyage was scheduled for April 2020 in the Solent and [my daughter] had resigned herself to the fact that it was a fantastic, yet missed, opportunity and never anticipated that she would be considered to participate at a later date … Since she stepped off Prolific back in Brixham, she hasn’t stopped talking about her adventures with the Ocean Youth Trust and can’t wait to sail with you again. She can’t pinpoint what she enjoyed the most as she’s still buzzing from the voyage and tales of her new experiences, from holding on tight on deck in choppy waters with music playing whilst the waves seemed as high as the side of Prolific; steering and hoisting the sails; jumping into the sea and swimming out of her depth; learning technical terms and teaching others how to record in the log book; seeing dolphins swim alongside and the beautiful views of the Cornish coastline; night-time sailing; watching out for lobster pot buoys; making new friends; dinghy race; beach cove BBQ; the showers at Plymouth marina and washing up with disco lights! Again, our sincere thanks and appreciation to all the staff and volunteers at the Ocean Youth Trust”.
The fears and anxieties of those who had struggled during the pandemic were voiced by a 15-year-old who said: “I think my most memorable bit would be the fact that I actually made good mates ‘cos I thought I was just going to be like a little loner on the side.”
Others had spent a lot of time during lockdowns staring at screens, for education, entertainment and socialising. One 16-year-old boy wanted to put into the words the difference between experiencing something for himself rather than through an image on a screen: “There’s like a sort of weird thing that you can’t – with experiences you can’t really see it the same way as like a photo or a video and it’s like being there has so much more meaning to it, and it’s like you’re actually experiencing it, there’s a lot of things you don’t have in a photo, like even smallest things like the sound of like, I don’t know, waves splashing, going past the wind, the wind in my hands, and all that kind of thing, you just don’t have that when you’re not there.”
Dartmouth Academy was a new client in 2021 and responded to our detailed post-voyage feedback: “This is absolutely brilliant – so much to digest … THANK YOU to everyone involved … – what an amazing opportunity, and how clearly you’ve seen our pupils. I can’t express how very grateful we are to OYT South – just phenomenal.” Another staff member said: “As a member of the leadership team at Dartmouth Academy I am so impressed with this entire endeavour. The report submitted here is comprehensive and as I know all these pupils well it makes me so happy that they have had the opportunity to undertake this experience. Thank you to all at OYT South”.
Bay House School, Gosport, had a voyage in October funded largely by Portsmouth Harbour Marine. The school has recently set up a Marine & Maritime classroom and these students were doing Marine & Maritime qualifications. The teacher who sailed with them on the voyage wrote afterwards: “Many thanks indeed for providing such an in-depth report from the sailing trip, with our Yr10 Marine and Maritime ‘cadets’. The data provided is extremely useful and can be used in multiple ways. I believe this trip has been a pivotal point in the young people’s lives. They’ve learnt new skills, dealt with setbacks maturely, had to live with people they don’t necessarily know that well, independently looked after themselves etc. If anything, I feel the trip has released a new energy amongst the group which has pushed them into thinking about their futures within the Maritime Industry – and we need to celebrate this. Thanks again, I look forward to working with OYT South in the not too distant future.” And one of the parents wrote: “She came back engaged and excited and I think the trip was what she really needed after a difficult year! … It was so great for her physical and mental well-being at the moment.”
2019
The Vyne School, Basingstoke has sent 67 students on voyages over eight years and has been able to watch the impact over the long term: staff member Penny says:
“These experiences have given life changing skills such as confidence, self-belief, trust and an “I can” attitude. For some of these students getting through to Year 11 and final exams was looking bleak, but the experiences enabled them to complete it and achieve.” She told the story of one boy, the last in a large family, none of whom had completed their education successfully until the youngest was chosen to sail at age 13. The experience helped to integrate him, making him feel recognised and valued in school, building positive friendships and breaking down barriers with school staff. Three years later he left school with a good attendance record and some GCSE passes, to train as a motor mechanic.
OYT South works in partnership with the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust. A young man aged 20 said “I’ve really struggled with confidence post-chemo; this trip has been the first time I’ve started feeling confident again… It’s definitely the most active I’ve been since chemo so it’s kind of been nice to sort of have that confidence that you can sort of do stuff again, which was much needed and very nice … The amount of laughs and smiles we’ve had has been exactly what I needed, for the first time I started feeling like my pre-chemo self which was so lovely.”
“They’ve learnt more in a week on this boat about themselves – I’ve learnt more in a week about them – than perhaps they’ll ever do in a year or two years at school.” Mark O’Prey, teacher, New Beacon School
“Just sailing in the stars last night and having everyone just in awe of what we were doing, it was amazing, absolutely amazing, seeing the Milky Way so strong last night, it was incredible. Many found real personal strength through genuine challenging experiences – the end of the voyage could now be a beginning … it was a wonderful experience that will live for many years to come.” Group Leader Paul, Skelton Explorer Scouts
“My daughter joined your last voyage with Park House School. Her place was last minute and when I told her about the trip she was less than enthusiastic! (You could genuinely hear her eyes roll!) Well, within hours she admitted she was enjoying it and by the end of the week she was telling me that she didn’t want to come home. Now home, she has not stopped talking. Normally if I ask what she has been doing I get the usual teenage grunts! I knew she would be way out of her comfort zone and that was kind of the point. But to have her come home and tell me she is proud of herself for stepping up and doing things she knows she would normally shy away from. That’s priceless!”
Poole Harbour Boat Show sponsored a voyage for some exceptionally deserving young people from Dorset. One parent said: “She gained so much from the trip and has come back with a new-found confidence and established higher level of self-esteem which has come at a great time with her just about to start her GCSE’s so as her parents we can’t thank you enough!”
2018
Hillingdon’s Virtual School for Children in Care arranged a voyage for young people who are in care having arrived in the UK as refugees – one of this year’s group had walked for three months on a journey from Syria to the UK at the age of 13. Post-voyage comments from these young people who have lost their families show how much they are affected by the family atmosphere on board: a 15-year old girl said: “My best bit was how we all just got on like a family, like how we didn’t know any of us, we didn’t know each other at the beginning but as the week went on we all just basically was like a big family”.
The Ormiston Leading Lights Project brought together teenage girls plus highly successful women as mentors. It turned out to be a personal development experience for the mentors just as much as for the girls. One of the mentors, a lawyer, was very seasick on a passage down to Dartmouth and later wrote in her blog: “When a small voice appeared at my side and asked if I was going to go home I said immediately and without thinking, “yes”. But then I thought I heard a quiet sob followed by “It’s not fair Miss” and then louder, “I can’t go home. I never asked to be here. I have to stay on the boat and I don’t want to. My Dad can’t leave to get me and I really, really want to go home.” I felt dreadful. It struck me that I could not possibly go home. That no matter how bad it was, we had signed up for this together and I could not leave – I had to see it through. And I wanted to. I had signed up to this adventure to somehow give something back to those who are coming up behind us and will take over our roles as women in business and what would I be demonstrating if I chose to exit hastily, stage left? In that moment, I could and would be that person who stuck it out and showed that this too would pass and that all would be well. And how immensely grateful I am to that small voice who showed me the value of sharing difficult moments together and out loud and of being real to the difficulty of the moment and how, in acknowledging that adversity, we can most likely get through it.”
Outdoor Lads is a charity which enables gay, bisexual and trans men to take part in outdoor activities. One participant commented: “I was really nervous about the trip because I had no idea what to expect and I think meeting everybody like 10 minutes before we came on this boat was incredibly nerve-wracking and I think the nicest part of this week is seeing how everyone has gelled and working in teams and it’s a really satisfying thing to think all the walks of life that we have in this room and everyone’s come together on this experience and I think it’s been amazing. The team here is an absolute credit to themselves, not only are you incredibly personable but you are some of the best teachers around. You don’t just ask someone to do something, we get explanation of it, we’re doing it because of this, you let us problem solve and I really enjoyed that.”
A 16-year old from a special school working with students with challenging behaviours, alongside a range of other conditions which can hinder academic progress, said: “My best part was conquering the fear of open water which is a bit of a problem when you are in the middle of the ocean … I think I’m gonna go and do more after this now I’ve seen I can do this, I’ll go and do more other things and then it’ll all have started from here so I’ll remember this for sort of doing everything else I’ll do.”
An email from a grandfather said: “He truly came back from the voyage a different re-energized young man, which was so lovely to see. He has had to deal with a lot of heartache and upset during the last few years, his father died in 2014 and his other Grandad died just over a year ago from cancer … His mother had to move them to a new house and area, so he changed school just over a year ago, and my grandson has become very quiet and withdrawn … the whole family are concerned for his happiness. So having a chatty, enthusiastic young man brimming with confidence tell us about his voyage on the way home was priceless to us.”
2017
“The young people genuinely developed through the experience. Two want to join sea cadets and one carer explained to me how much confidence the trip has given her foster daughter – she has seen this spill over into other areas of her life, which is gold dust.” Robin Douglas, West Berkshire’s Virtual School for Children in Care
Oversands School is a specialist school catering for young people with complex special needs and behavioural problems. “The concentrated nature of the experience, coupled with the unique environment, produced marked changes in outlook and behaviour of pupils and staff in a very short time. The young people who return at the end of the voyage are very different in attitude from the ones who set out. Pupils left the voyage with a definite sense of having reached some personal goal, and were encouraged to attempt things they would not previously have thought possible, and so take charge of their lives.”
MACS – Microphthalmia, Anophthalmia & Coloboma Support is the charity for young people born without eyes or with under-developed eyes. Robbie Crow, the Chair of MACS, who is himself visually impaired, wrote: “Ocean Youth Trust South has been working with MACS for three years now. During those three years OYT South has never failed to provide a voyage which goes above and beyond the complex needs of our young people. The training standards they demand of their staff and volunteers, coupled with the exemplary safety standards they keep on Prolific, mean that the voyages they provide are always outstanding. In my 12+ years of sail training experience – in capacities of young person, group leader, sea staff member, trustee, trainer and employee – I can safely say that, in my opinion, OYT South deliver the best product for the overall development of young people in the UK market today.”
2016
“Our young person returned from his voyage today and had a wonderful time. He was unsure on Sunday and there were several calls asking to be picked up, however we rode the storm (!) and he has been gushing about all the things he did over the last few days upon his return to the home. He overcame some fears and gained some confidence in his abilities.” Staff member from a Hampshire children’s home
HMS President (London’s Royal Naval Reserve Unit) raised funds for disadvantaged young Londoners to sail in 2016. Geoffrey (12) said: “It was so amazing when watchleaders teach how to drive the helm and when we were pushing and pulling every day and you know that gave me some muscle. I was very happy I went to the beach for the first time and it was so fun and we covered David in sand”. One school wrote afterwards: “My students had such a great time and have changed their opinions on sailing and the sea”. The other school said: “It was an amazing opportunity and a life changing experience. I have lots more students asking can they go next year. Thanks to all of you for making such a difference to the young people we teach.”
The Limes College in Sutton is a Pupil Referral Unit working with young people who can display really challenging behavior. “Thank you so much for the opportunity given to our pupils this year. They had an amazing time and really took many positives out of their week away. The crew on board were absolutely fantastic and worked so well with our sometimes challenging pupils and they really enhanced their experience. We would definitely like to book again for next year and allow them to experience this again … Many of the young people had never been away from home for a night let alone a week on a yacht. They are still talking about their week away and still looking at the pictures. Some have even said that they wish they were still on the boat!” Libbi (14) said “It was an amazing week. I learned all new things. On the second day we went into the big waves it was very scary – I felt well sea sick – but other than that I really enjoyed myself. I’ve never stayed away from home for this long and was worried at first but I would love to go back and do it again.”
“On a few occasions I have had to remind one or two of the students how to use what they had learned on the boat to overcome a difficulty they were facing. I was really impressed to see that this experience had given them the confidence to deal with the situation in a mature and sensible manner. The students seem much happier since their trip and I believe that they will remember this for a long time to come. I was also speaking to some of our students who were on previous voyages as they wanted to come again. One boy in particular thanked me for the opportunity as it changed his life and his learning perspective. He has really put his head down and is focussing on his studies. Had he not been on the trip, I am not sure he would be as optimistic and confident as he is now.” Vyne School staff member
2015
“Thank you for treating each young person as an individual and bringing out the best in them – that is a real special quality.” Hannah, staff member, Hackney’s Virtual School for Children in Care
Step By Step is a Hampshire-based charity working with homeless people and those facing adversity. They sent two individuals to sail with us: one had been in care following sexual abuse and had recently gone through a court case resulting in the conviction of her abuser; the other had been a homeless drug user. Both earned qualifications on their voyage, and their key worker said: “The whole trip sounds amazing and I really do think giving these opportunities to young people is fantastic! I think the work done by OYT South is truly brilliant. I am also so pleased that both people we put forward had an experience of a lifetime and really enjoyed it.”
2014
JACK DIGNAN was born unable to see out of his left eye and, aged 17, sailed with a group from MACS, the charity for children born without eyes or with underdeveloped eyes. He was later chosen to give a speech in front of an audience of dignitaries – including HRH the Countess of Wessex – during the Tall Ships festival in Greenwich. An extract: “As we were pulling into Plymouth to mark the end of our week-long voyage, the sea was still with the August sun gently sinking into the horizon, Freddie Mercury was belting out a ballad, and the entire crew were reminding nearby residents that we were in fact the champions. I soon realised I was experiencing one of those magical moments. Turning around to see 15 friends … friends that only 7 days ago, 148 miles and an obscene amount of fish finger sandwiches earlier were complete strangers, and yet, after spending a mere week working and living together it felt like we had always known each other … As I took a step back to reflect afterwards, I found it difficult to believe the transformation that had occurred to those of us onboard John Laing, it is truly staggering. Although the sailing backdrop itself undoubtedly does create some amazing moments, it brings out the adventurous spirit in people, and it almost forces them together as a group…As far as I’m concerned, the uniqueness of sail training is what really sets it aside from existing services aiming to provide similar outcomes....”
2013
The XL Group from Sherborne Learning Centre includes young people who are unable to attend full-time mainstream school. One 14-year old girl wrote this review of her voyage: “I was completely dreading going on the John Laing, I didn’t know what to expect, I never thought about sailing on a boat, I always thought it wouldn’t be my thing, not many kids like me get a chance to go sailing. After a while I started to like the idea and I was excited about going but I wasn’t too sure what the crew was going to be like, or the boat. I was so worried that everything would go wrong and it would be my fault and everyone would shout at me … I truly can’t put into words how much I enjoyed myself, I will never forget it. The crew were amazing, they were so welcoming and they didn’t shout they explained and it was quite easy o
nce they explained. It was like a massive family. At dinner we would squish up round the table and we would all be laughing and talking. We worked together to get everything done. My best part was steering the boat, on the way back it was absolutely chucking down with rain. I wasn’t fussed I was enjoying steering the boat too much … I learnt so much about sailing and about myself. I feel so much happier since I came off the boat, my confidence is so much better and I don’t worry as much as I used to about doing activities outside of school with people I hardly know. When I left it was hard I just wanted to stay, I was so close to crying. I would love to come back and do another trip but for next time longer, time goes quickly when you’re enjoying yourself. I couldn’t thank everyone enough for giving me such a brilliant memory, I will always remember.”
“Some of the county’s most vulnerable children have been excluded both specifically from school but also socially excluded. Often the most hard-to-reach children find it difficult to engage with education even at a Pupil Referral Unit. They are often at risk from substance misuse, flirting with the criminal system, at risk of violence both domestic and street, all compounded by being excluded from school…The opportunities for sailing, being part of a team, taking responsibility, learning real life skills have been invaluable and instrumental in re-engaging some challenging young people.” Senior Manager, Alternative Provision, Hampshire County Council
2012
“Sail training voyages are an inspirational way of engaging disaffected or out of touch young people. They offer a structured environment enabling young people to remain focused on activities which produce positive outcomes. When young people, removed from their immediate environment, have a positive and enjoyable experience and are able to achieve tangible and real targets it allows confidence and self-esteem to grow and gives them a platform to build on and to raise their aspirations. Sail training voyages are able to make a very positive and often life changing difference to young people disengaged and in danger of becoming NEET (not in education, employment or training).” Zandra Ranger, Coordinator, Gosport Local Children’s Partnership
Back in 2009 we had arranged for a 17-year-old girl to join a Tall Ships race following the deaths of both her parents. More than three years later, aged 21, she wrote to us: “It was an amazing experience for me, one which I think of often still to this day and will stay with me for the whole of my life…I was very much in need of an opportunity to take some time out – the John Laing experience really helped to distract me from my troubles and give me enjoyment and happiness.”
Lucinda Neall, author of About Our Boys and How to Talk to Teenagers, brought groups of young people from London to sail with us. “A voyage in John Laing with OYT South takes young people outside their normal environment and gives them the opportunity to change their perception of themselves. Having shared in the job of sailing the boat, cooking, cleaning and looking after one another, they come away with a great sense of achievement and improved self-confidence and social skills. It can have a profound effect on those who have had negative experiences at school: most of the tasks are practical and physical and a history of failure can be transformed into an experience of ‘I can’”.
2011
“The changes that are made by young people who attend your sailing residentials are absolutely amazing.” Kirsty Cremer, staff member, Motiv8
Hampshire County Council funded a bursaries programme for a number of exceptionally disadvantaged young people. One support worker wrote to us about a boy whose parents were substance abusers: “He came back into school bouncing! He’s told anyone that will listen what a fantastic time he had. His tutor feels it has really helped his confidence and self-esteem. I asked him how many he would give the experience out of 10 and he said 100! He didn’t stop smiling the whole time he was talking about it.”
2010
Chichester High School For Girls brought a group including students whose difficult home situations have affected both their education and their behaviour. Their teacher wrote of one girl: “Before she went on the trip she was one of the students who would be at most risk from permanent exclusion. I am really happy to say that since our return she has been like a different child, I actually witnessed her walking away and not getting involved in an incident in school when before she would have got involved and probably excluded again. She seems to be making the right choices now … long may it last. And of another student: “During the trip I was able to see what a bright girl she was and given a bit of support she has a good future in front of her. The trip was fantastic for her, she worked very hard and surprised herself …She has since been attending school and has stayed out of trouble … They were both superstars on the boat and I am hoping it will help them to realise what great kids they are and what they are able to achieve as a result of a bit of work.”
2009
“Having a brother or sister with a life limiting condition puts [these young people] in a more vulnerable position than their peers. They often don’t get the same opportunities as their friends due to the complex needs of their sibling, so having this chance to have a week away with other young people in similar situations can relieve the isolation they may feel, give them time to share their experiences and to make new friends. A week on board John Laing is so much more than a holiday. It is a chance for these young people to have a week dedicated to them. Over the week you can see confidences building as they make friends and learn new skills. They are given the freedom to have fun without feeling guilty and to have a break from the caring role they often take on at home. We at Naomi House feel that this voyage is an important part of the support we offer our siblings and that the OYT staff and organisation provide an excellent opportunity for our young people.” Jenny Astall, Sibling Support Worker, Naomi House Children’s Hospice
The Wheatsheaf Trust works with a wide variety of people in Southampton, including young people not in education, training or employment. “Sail Training is one of the most powerful tools we have found for teaching people self-confidence, teamwork, trust and the ability to take responsibility – which are exactly the qualities employers look for.” Jonathan Cheshire, Chief Executive, the Wheatsheaf Trust.
The Rotary Club of Hitchin Tilehouse sponsors voyages for young carers: “The difference that a trip like this makes to these youngsters is wonderful to see. They come from a wide range of backgrounds, but all of them help to look after an ill or disabled sibling or parent. They don’t have much time to do the things that other young people do … The team spirit that this trip generates is a joy to see: getting their hands dirty, cooking in the ship’s galley or doing night watch gives them a real feel-good factor. They push themselves to limits they didn’t know they had.” Sue Manning, Youth Activities Chair
2008
“Sailing with OYT South offers Hampshire’s children-in-care many benefits, among these being the opportunity to experience working as a member of a team, where mutual cooperation, communication and sharing responsibility are key aspects to sailing a large ocean-going vessel. Sailing also offers the participating children an alternative approach to re-engaging with education albeit outside of a school classroom environment, in which many experience some kind of difficulty either interacting with other children or coping with academic study. The children who sail gain confidence and self-esteem through a sense of accomplishment, as well as benefit from the physical activity and maritime environment, both of which not many children experience in normal everyday life these days. And finally, every child who has participated in the sailing programme has thoroughly enjoyed the experience and always asks to do it again.” Geoff Buss, Team for the Education of Children in Care, Hampshire County Council
Toynbee Hall, a charity in Tower Hamlets, ran four voyages as part of the year-long Aspire Project, for disengaged young people. The project reported significant improvements in confidence and in school engagement. “The sailing trips our young people took part in were a fantastic culmination of the skills and experiences they had throughout their year with Aspire, and we have booked up to go again in 2009. Many of our participants do not leave London very often (or indeed ever), certainly have never been on a 72’ yacht and mostly have not cooked and taken responsibility for themselves and a group in this way ever before.” Jane Fletcher, Toynbee’s Education Programme Manager
2007
Alfreton Park Community Special School works with pupils with multiple physical and learning difficulties: “The group really grew in confidence and worked well as a team. They began to look after one another, which is a great achievement for youngsters with these difficulties. The voyage also helped our teachers grow as they learned more about the children away from a school environment. The OYT South sea staff were absolutely brilliant and put in lots of effort to help our kids.” Rosemary Mackenzie, headteacher
2007
The Teenage Cancer Trust had to pass on the sad news that someone who had sailed with us had died a few months later. “At the funeral her dad read a piece about her sailing experience and how it empowered her and made her feel strong when she was so sick. I just wanted you to know what an effect you had on her.”
2005
Naomi House Children’s Hospice, Winchester organised a voyage for brothers and sisters of children who had died in the hospice. One teenager commented: “Usually I am shy when I first meet people, mainly because I dread when they are going to ask how many brothers and sisters I have. Being in the same situation as everyone else helped me to feel more at ease and happier.”
Sunnydown School, Caterham works with profoundly dyslexic pupils. “Sailing can do so much to develop their confidence. Most of them were at mainstream schools before they came to Sunnydown, and will have been really struggling. They often come to us with very low self-esteem, and we have to work hard at building them up again.” Heather Perkins, Senior Residential Childcare Officer
A girl who was starting to rebuild her life after exceptionally traumatic early experiences was awarded funding to take part in the Tall Ships races: “I can honestly say that it’s been one of the most challenging experiences yet; however, Ihave taken so much from this trip and I will never forget it. I always as a child dreamt of doing things just like normal people did, but never thought it would happen. This was way beyond anything I could imagine and has touched my life in so many different aspects; and for that I cannot thank you enough. I feel that this is the start to many endless opportunities for my future.”
2004
“The best residential experience I have ever taken part in – and I have been on a few” Derek Bowen, Neighbourhood Youth Worker, Worthing
“I am writing to thank you for the remarkable work OYT South does for young people with dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties … I have been deeply impressed by how much you can achieve with these youngsters in a short space of time … Sometimes an individual who normally lacks self-belief has got off the boat looking two feet taller.” Bob Collier, Stanbridge Earls School