Ocean brave

Pupils set sail on a voyage of adventure

A PAIR of intrepid pupils have set sail on an ocean adventure.

Rachel Teal and Christian Shoel, both 16, from Saddleworth School, have joined pupils from schools across the country for a 10-night voyage from Newcastle to London aboard the Stavros S Niarchos.

The trip has been organised to mark the 10th anniversary of the Tall Ships Youth Trust Voyage of Achievement funded by the HSBC Global Education Trust.

The students will develop life skills and learn first-hand about geography and weather systems as they sail the high seas.

More than 400 young people have taken part in the Tall Ships HSBC Voyage of Achievement over the past 10 years and a number have returned to work as volunteers for the Tall Ships Youth Trust charity.

Some have gone on to develop a career in the marine industry or taken up sailing as an interest.

On joining the ship in Newcastle, the students were assigned to one of three teams and given their duties which include rising at 4am for watch duties, navigating and scaling the masts. Tim Law, of Tall Ships Youth Trust, said: “For many this voyage will be a life-changing experience. They will be out of their comfort zone and they will find things within themselves that they did not realise were there.

“Tasks such as climbing the rigging or helping prepare dinner for 67 people can give young people a real sense of achievement and self worth.”

The voyage finishes when the brig sails up the Thames to moor alongside HMS Belfast on Wednesday.