This summer a group of young people, who had recently completed their YAT programmes, had an incredible opportunity to continue their personal growth and flex their adventurous spirit! Setting off on an epic voyage along the Southwest coastline aboard the tall ship the Johanna Lucretia, thanks to the Island Trust, these young people embraced a week of challenge, discovery and unforgettable moments at sea.
The group, aged 14 and 15 years old, had already spent time on previous YAT programmes, but this was something completely new. As they arrived in Plymouth and made their way through the many boats they caught their first glimpse of the ship, a traditional tall ship. There were certainly some nerves as to be expected, but these young people had been supported through many challenges during their time with YAT, and had developed the resilience, self-confidence and social skills needed to take on new challenges.
Life at sea started with getting to know the ship, where to sleep, how to move safely on deck, and how to work as a team. As the voyage got underway, each young person took turns at helming the ship, hoisting sails, scrubbing decks, preparing meals, and navigating their way through the waters. The weather could not have been more suitable for sailing; sunshine and calm seas put the wind in the sails of the young people and allowed confidence to grow.
With the fortune of good conditions throughout the voyage, the group covered a good distance and made it to their goal of Falmouth whilst stopping at beautiful bays and remote coves, enjoying walks along the shore and sharing laughs over dinners around the galley table. Every day brought a new challenge, a new lesson and the team began to bond.
Day-to-day sailing provided opportunities from nature spotting to quiet moments of reflection. There were opportunities to learn knot tying, navigational skills and become competent crew members. Every single participant found themselves challenged. Some overcame seasickness and nervousness around water; others stepped into leadership roles and developed independence.
One of the most memorable moments of the week came part way through as the group arrived in Falmouth and were treated to an amazing aerial display by the Red Arrows, an unforgettable experience to say the least.
The next task was to make it back to Plymouth by the very next evening, in time for the British firework championship. This wasn’t going to be easy, but the group had built resilience, a positive approach to challenge and team work skills from their many YAT experiences. With a collective effort and a common goal, the group worked hard and achieved their aim – anchoring off in Plymouth in time to witness the British Fireworks Championships from the perfect vantage point. A fitting way to end their last night of an incredible adventure.
By the time they returned to Plymouth the transformation in each young person and the group was clear. The journey down was one of nerves and anxiety about new people and a new challenge. However, the journey back could not have been further from that as stories were shared and games played to pass the time. These young people were different; confidence had grown further; fears had been faced; new friendships had been formed.
Feedback from families echoed the incredible growth the young people experienced.
My daughter loved it. She did not want the trip to end! She said she loved learning whilst out at sea, and she took away a great deal of confidence from the trip. She felt that she was trusted by the adults on board, which meant so much to her. She enjoyed the challenges she faced and just did not want it to end.
Parent
This was an amazing opportunity and both my son and us as parents are really grateful for that. My son seemed to come back more grown up and confident than ever. He was inspired by his experiences and also took away things from the people around him. He particularly enjoyed the chats with the skipper and hearing about his sailing adventures. Great organisation too. Transport provided is such a help. Something like this would not ordinarily be financially viable for us so it is special to get the chance to do this through the charity and definitely something my son will never forget. Plus, a great thing to help him start build his CV.
Parent
The impact of the voyage will extend well beyond the ship. One sailor offered advice to others considering the opportunity;
Take it. No matter how anxious or scared, take this opportunity because it is an opportunity of a lifetime. You will not regret it.
Jamie, age 15
The Youth Adventure Trust would like to extend a huge thank you to the Island Trust, the brilliant crew of the Johanna Lucretia, volunteer drivers and all the supporters who made this voyage possible. It is through these experiences that young people can push past their limits, believe in themselves and discover their potential. Along with their RYA competent crew certificate and plenty of stories to tell, every young person walked away with a new sense of what they are capable of. We were delighted to have the chance to offer this opportunity to some of our young people after the YAT programmes, and are so incredibly proud of how they continued their resilience building journey, showcasing all their learned in their time with us. Congratulations to all the young people on completing this memorable and adventurous expedition!