North Sea challenge for Doncaster students

Scaling 50-metre masts and scrubbing the decks were just two of the tasks set for students who left their cosy classrooms to take up a tall ship challenge.
Trinity Academy students on a tall ship voyageTrinity Academy students on a tall ship voyage
Trinity Academy students on a tall ship voyage

The sea faring youngsters from Thorne’s Trinity Academy enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime maritime experience as they berthed at The Port of Blyth following a nine-day passage from London via Bruges on the 200ft British ship Stavros S Niarchos.

They formed part of a crew of 37 from the Emmanuel Schools Foundation with fellow students from three sister schools. Trinity’s group boarded the vessel at Canary Wharf, then lived on board, taking part in all ship duties including helming, setting and stowing sails, navigating, cooking for fellow shipmates and covering night watches on the bridge.

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It was a first sailing trip for science teacher Reuben Mattinson, who accompanied the students. He said: “This was a great opportunity for students.

“They all really pulled together and as well as all of their duties on board they got to enjoy some sightseeing in Bruges, and shopping for Belgian chocolates.”

The party worked their passage on the vessel owned and run by the Tall Ships Youth Trust, but were also able to row the longliners. This formed the first part towards , which forms part of sail training and a possible final yachting award.

Trinity student Abi Ball, 14, said: “I was a bit scared when I first came on board not knowing what to expect but it has been fantastic.

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“I wasn’t very keen on climbing the rigging as I’m scared of heights, but I did it.. I don’t think I’d go up there again in a

hurry.”

Courtney Kostyszyn, 14, added: “I got to help steer the ship, climb the rigging and cook in the galley as well as lots and lots of

cleaning.

“But the best bit has been meeting many new people.”