A group of fifteen Cowes Enterprise College students recently embarked on an inspiring week-long journey with Ocean Youth Trust South, aboard the 30-metre sailing vessel Prolific. As they explored the south coast by sea, the students developed invaluable skills, created lasting memories, and gained a unique perspective on the maritime world.
Ocean Youth Trust South, a charitable organisation, is dedicated to helping young people aged 12-25 build essential life skills, confidence, and social awareness through sailing adventures.
Throughout their time on Prolific, students worked on building teamwork, resilience, and leadership. The hands-on experience included ship operations, such as steering, sail handling, navigation, and lookout duties, encouraging personal growth and fostering a deeper understanding of life at sea.
The journey took students to Poole and Portsmouth, where students visited Poole Lifeboat Station and Portsmouth Harbour, allowing them to explore a variety of maritime careers and experiences. These opportunities are an integral part of the academy’s award-winning Maritime Futures curriculum, which celebrates the area’s rich maritime heritage while blending rigorous academic study with practical, real-world applications.
Rachel Kitley, Principal at Cowes Enterprise College, said:
“We are immensely proud of our students for embracing this extraordinary opportunity. Sailing with Ocean Youth Trust South has offered them valuable life skills and a truly memorable experience. Our Maritime Futures curriculum is all about connecting our students to the coastal community, and voyages like this bring that vision to life.”