Ocean Youth Trust South is offering a day sail on 17 September to 10 local young people, organised through the Southampton International Boat Show, where the sailing day will start and finish.
Redbridge Community School, based very close to the Port of Southampton, has selected the students, aged 12-15, who will take part in the day.
Ocean Youth Trust South is a charity offering personal development through adventure under sail to young people aged 11-25, the majority disadvantaged or vulnerable in various ways. They operate a 105-foot sailing vessel, Prolific, based in Ocean Village, Southampton.
The charity sails with at least 450 young people each year, focusing on developing confidence, communication, teamworking, resilience and mental wellbeing. Most young people come for residential voyages lasting at least four days, but thanks to the support of SIBS 2022, the charity is offering a rare opportunity for a taster day for a school which has not previously been involved in voyages. While on board, the young people will be able to try steering, hoisting sails, using ropes and winches, navigation and more.
OYT South’s Chief Executive, Mark Todd, said “We are delighted to be working with Southampton International Boat Show and teaming up with Redbridge School for this very special day sail. We know that too many young people – even those living near the sea or close to a major port – never have a chance to get out on the water and may know little of the immense breadth of opportunities and careers available in the marine world. Spending a day as active crew members on board Prolific, supported by our team of skilled staff and volunteers, will give these Redbridge students a new experience and hopefully open their eyes to some of the things which the maritime world can offer to people of all backgrounds and abilities.”
Redbridge Community School said: “Redbridge Community School values every opportunity which expands the skills and life chances of our students. The students chosen to sail on board Prolific show resilience, determination and the ability to overcome adversity in their day to day lives. We regularly provide students with personal development opportunities in school, including archery, rock-climbing, bush-craft etc. We encourage them to say ‘yes’ to new and exciting challenges and if they hesitate, to ‘feel the fear and do it anyway’. We are thrilled to be approached by Ocean Youth Trust South and hope it not only provides our students with hands-on skills, but opens their horizons to potential maritime careers. Despite living in a thriving port, many of these students have never had the chance to be on the water or visit the boat show before. It promises to be a thrilling day for them.”
Lesley Robinson, CEO, British Marine: “We look forward to welcoming the pupils from Redbridge Community School as they embark on their sailing adventure with the Ocean Youth Trust South. The work the trust does enabling young people to experience first hand what it is like to be on the water and learn new skills, goes hand in hand with all we aim to achieve through the Southampton International Boat Show, bringing the joy of watersports to everyone. I hope they all thoroughly enjoy their day.”
Ocean Youth Trust South visit www.oytsouth.org
Tickets for the Boat Show can be purchased online at www.southamptonboatshow.com/visitor-information/tickets/
Upgrade your visit with the new and exclusive Quayside Club VIP packages at https://www.southamptonboatshow.com/vip/
The show will be open from 10am – 6pm daily except the final Sunday when the show will close at 5pm and on Monday 19 September when it will be closed for the state funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
