Matthew Moss pupils sail a Tall Ship

Matthew Moss pupils sail a Tall Ship

In July a group of young people from Matthew Moss High School were selected for a week’s sailing experience. Sailing over 220 miles from Ipswich to Hartlepool in a Bermudan Ketch Tall Ship. This was our Extended Curriculum Trip.

The 12 young people were chosen from year 8/9. We had an eclectic mix of young learners, all of whom had the enthusiasm and dedication to support each other though the demanding sailing trip.

The young people had to work together as a team with the crew of the Faramir helping with the general running of the vessel, cooking and cleaning and working on deck as actively involved members of the crew, allowing them a rare opportunity and a fantastic chance to see behind the scenes of a seafaring vessel.

The 12 youngsters were absolutely fantastic throughout the week. At times it was extremely hard work, especially keeping watch through the day in the temperamental weather conditions and in shifts, which was both physically and mentally exhausting, but each one pulled through effectively, learning to put the needs of the ship and the crew before their own.

It was a fantastic residential experience teaching valuable life skills whilst providing a genuine once in a life time experience to every single person in the group and opening their eyes to the world that’s out there.

Ed Humphries, Skipper of the Faramir made this observation about the group: “Working on a Cirdan vessel is always rewarding but sometimes we get to witness some truly exceptional moments.

“Members of our group this week successfully planned our last passage from Scarborough to Hartlepool without any help or intervention from any adult on board.

“This required appreciation of the tide times, wind and weather, charts, distance and speeds, jobs that require doing, leadership and delegation and where to find all this information.

“We followed their information and had a near perfect sail”.

This was high praise indeed and one of many highlights of the trip.

10 of the learners achieved an RYA start yachting certificate and 2 of the learners their RYA Competent Crew certificate which teaches the fundamentals of crewing such as knots, nautical terms, sail handling and helming, as well as how to "live" in the environment of a cruising yacht.

Safety is paramount in all RYA courses and the group was taught how to operate flares, lifejackets, safety harnesses, life rafts, how to assist in the recovery of a man overboard.