All aboard for students at CEC

A group of brave students at Cowes Enterprise College, which is part of Ormiston Academies Trust (OAT), will be setting sail on a five-day voyage.

The students will be embarking on their adventure from the Isle of Wight and finishing their voyage in Southampton. Once there, the students will be able to head ashore to explore the area and even enjoy a BBQ on the beach.

Throughout their journey they will be given various responsibilities that allow them to test and refine their skills. Within groups, they will be in charge of sailing the boat, putting the sails up and down, keeping lookout and helping with navigation.

In addition to their sailing responsibilities, students will also be assisting with other day-to-day duties such as cooking in order to ensure they are offered the full experience of what is required to successfully run a voyage.

Furthermore, students will be able to learn about any sailing areas that they have a specific interest in, such as engine maintenance and how to navigate through varying weather conditions.  

The sailing experience will form part of the academy’s ‘Maritime Futures’ initiative where students are encouraged to embrace their local heritage and create close ties with the maritime industry. This is part of the academy’s wider commitment to providing students with various chances to get involved with activities that demonstrate the diversity in career paths that are available to them.

Moreover, the students will also be taking part in the famous Small Ships Race 2021. They will have the chance to participate in the action-packed event where sailing crews come together to compete and socialise.

They’re all looking forward to getting involved in the voyage and being able to demonstrate and further develop their sailing skillsets.

Rachel Kitley, Principal of Cowes Enterprise College said:

“I am so pleased that our students will have the chance to be involved in such a once in a lifetime experience. The voyage will not only be a fantastic way for them to have fun, but it will also be a great way for them to demonstrate their determination and skills.

“We aim to educate our students for life and offering opportunities to be inspired by a range of different career paths is imperative to this. I know that this will be an unforgettable adventure.”