On Friday 27th May, 16 pupils from Form 4 set off to Rockley Point, Poole, for a weekend of sailing. Sunshine and gentle breeze made the conditions perfect for our beginner sailors.
The pupils started Day 1 by learning how to rig the boats (Picos) on dry land, and practise the basics of steering and tacking. Very quickly, having been towed out into the estuary, they were off! In pairs, they tried to master how to tack round buoys in a figure of eight; one steering, one in charge of the main sheet. Squeals and laughter could be heard from the shore. The day rounded off perfectly with an evening playing rounders and volleyball on the beach, watching the sun go down.
By the second day, several boats enjoyed capsizing – some deliberately, some less-so – but smiles all round. We were very proud that all pupils successfully completed their Stage 1 RYA course by the time we set off home.
Mrs Sarah Miles, Joint Trip Leader
