Students' adventure aboard yacht not dampened by storm

TEN students from Falmouth School have enjoyed the adventure of a lifetime aboard a round-the-world Clipper yacht – even though foul weather kept them in port for much of the time.

The teenagers were given the opportunity as a reward for the work they have done as part of the town's Waterfront Crew.

They have given up hours of their own spare time cleaning the foreshore and other public areas over the past few years.

The group spent a week aboard the yacht, operated by Clipper Ventures, thanks to the Cornwall Marine Network who funded the adventure.

The students joined the yacht with the hope of sailing to Plymouth, but because of the gale force winds the furthest they got was Fowey and the River Fal.

Storm-bound

Emily Caruso, a key support worker with Clipper Ventures, said: "Everything with sailing is dictated by the weather and we had some pretty gnarly gales which meant we were storm-bound for some of the time.

"We did get to moor up the River Fal and go to Fowey and the rest of the time we were putting them through their paces. We basically gave them a diluted version of the training we give the round-the-world crews.

"They had to live together in a very confined space with very basic facilities. It is all quite character building."

Reunited with their families on Wednesday, the four girls and six boys, all aged between 14 and 17, were still buzzing with the excitement of it all.

Most, though, were looking forward to using a proper toilet, having a shower and a good meal and sleeping in their own beds.

Rihana Wardle, 17, was one of the first off, but admitted she had thoroughly enjoyed her time on board.

"The best bit was sailing to Fowey and then on the way back sitting up front and getting splashed by the waves. It was good, but freezing.

"The worst part was getting up early and arguing because we were all tired and teasey, oh and the toilets."

For 14-year-old Jade Laing the worst part was the seasickness. Scott Eddy, 15, added: "It has been really fun and I got to learn some new things. It has been a real adventure.

"I did have ups and downs, but I got through it and enjoyed it all."

Caitlin Steele, 14, said: "Everything has been the best, but the highlight of the week was seeing dolphins – it was amazing."

Mel Bailey, a year mentor at Falmouth School, said: "It was wonderful to see three years of Waterfront Crew dedication and commitment earn them the opportunity of a lifetime.

"The crew have returned glowing with their achievement and inspired by their adventure.

"It has been a huge learning curve for us all and the school is immensely proud of them."

Ten of the Waterfront Crew who were not selected for the week on the yacht, spent the time working with Elemental at Swanpool and the Falmouth School of Sailing.