Last week eight participants from East Ayrshire were given the opportunity to take part in an Ocean Youth Trust Scotland voyage funded with money from CashBack for Communities. The group set sail on 7th September to spend 5 days exploring the waters of the Upper Clyde, departing and returning into James Watt Dock in Greenock.
The first time sailors from the Kilmarnock area took on all the challenges of sailing the 70ft yacht Alba Venturer, including fighting sea sickness. They learned to navigate and steer the boat, hoist and drop the sails, tie knots and cook for the whole crew – mashing potatoes for 15 people is not easy!
All the young people threw themselves into the experience and worked hard to achieve the goals they set themselves. They said:
“High points of the voyage were getting along with everyone and the staff, having laughs, playing different games and listening to music. Feeling like a big family.”
“I learned to keep trying to achieve your goals even if they don’t work at the start.”
“I’m sad it’s over, same time next month?”
With future goals of joining the army, becoming a youthworker, going to college and getting a job the confidence gained and lessons learned during the voyage will make a difference for everyone in the group.