08 June 2011
8th June 11
Twenty three young adults treated at hospitals in Newcastle, Scotland, Manchester, Birmingham,
Oxford and Reading on Monday afternoon to begin their first sailing trip with the Trust. Once everyone arrived they were given a welcome by the Trust, with their week outlined and a chance to
settle in to their yachts, which will be their homes for the week.
The group took part in some teambuilding activities and before long were beginning to get to know their fellow crewmates as well as the Trust volunteers helping this week. For dinner, the perfect seaside supper of fish and chips was enjoyed by all, before either swimming at UKSA’s pool or relaxing on the yachts then bed.
On Tuesday morning the flotilla of five boats, Trust yacht Moonspray, Scarlet Oyster, Outreach and two Sunsail 40’s set off on the first days sailing to Yarmouth. Conditions were good as they sailed down the North-West coast of the Island, and the group arrived at Yarmouth Harbour in the afternoon to enjoy tea and cakes courtesy of the Royal Solent Yacht Club followed by games on the green. On Wednesday the crews had a look round Yarmouth Lifeboat, then sailed out for their second day on the water.
Emilie, 19, from Leicestershire is part of the crew on Outreach . Speaking from the boat earlier she said, “I just want to say its been amazing so far, because for the first time in so long I’m in control! When you have cancer you don’t have any control over anything, but here sailing the boat you get the chance to be in control again if that makes sense?” Emilie added that yesterday was a bit too windy so they motored down to Yarmouth with everyone having a go at steering, but today the sails are up. “Its gorgeous today, and I’ve just been on the helm, feeling like I ruled the world!”.
Ayesha, 19, from Plympton is onboard Sunsail 2 and had this to say earlier today. “It’s fantastic, we’re already a little family on our boat, everyone’s getting on and it’s great to be with people who share the same experiences. It’s been different every day. Yesterday we were the only boat of the five to go up the Beaulieu River and learnt a bit about the history there, and last night we played football and all had dinner that the boys made, it was lovely. We’ve all had a go at steering and helping with the sails and are heading towards Portsmouth now.”