Forty students from the Isle of Man will face tough physical and mental challenges when they set sail on a tall ship next month.
Year 9 students from the Department of Education and Children’s five secondary schools will crew the 200-foot brig Stavros S Niarchos when it departs Greenock on 22nd March.
The vessel – owned by the Tall Ships Youth Trust – will be bound for Liverpool on its first voyage of the year after a winter refit.
It’s the second such trip for local 13 and 14-year-olds after Isle of Man schools first undertook a voyage with the charity in 2014.
Students seeking a berth underwent a four-stage application process that tested their initiative, independence and responsibility.
Julie Owen, Assistant Headteacher at Ramsey Grammar School, who is organising the adventure, said participants will learn about navigation, ship maintenance, setting sails, climbing rigging, use of safety equipment and galley skills.
‘They will learn a wide range of practical, personal and social skills, all linked to the six Rs of the Isle of Man’s curriculum – resilience, relationship-building, remembering, resourcefulness, readiness, reflectiveness – plus a seventh ‘R’, taking on responsibility for themselves and others,’ Mrs Owen said.
‘They won’t just learn to sail proficiently – they will face mental and physical challenges and will have an experience they will never forget.’
Mrs Owen said last year’s crew were great ambassadors for the Isle of Man and formed lasting friendships.
‘They set off with no experience and returned as competent sailors who were willing to take on responsibility and face up to challenges with maturity and determination. Many overcame personal fears such as being away from home for the first time or climbing to the top of the mast with the Manx flag and facing their fear of heights.
‘The Tall Ships Youth Trust was impressed with Manx students and what they achieved in a week and has invited students back to take part in other voyages.’
This year’s crew will meet for the first time at a team-building session on Wednesday 4th March at Ballakermeen High School.
Two of last year’s crew, now Year 10 students from St Ninian’s High School, will be back on board to gain work experience.
People can follow the progress of the project on Twitter @TallshipsIOM and Manx Radio will broadcast live ship to shore interviews.
Funding from the Tall Ships Youth Trust and contributions from the Lockington Marshall Trust Fund and The Children’s Centre will keep the cost for participants low. In addition, there is sponsorship from Lions IOM, AXA IOM, I-Cap Marine and Pelagos Yachts. The Isle of Man Steam Packet company is assisting the group with the cost of ferry fares to the UK.
Photo taken during last year’s voyage.
