NEWS

OYT North staff welcome locals aboard

James Cook recently paid a visit to Berwick-upon-Tweed. Staff welcomed on board locals and introduced them to the opportunities that the OYT North offers young people and adults - learning new skills, working as part of a team and broadening horizons through sailing.

The crew were surprised and touched when one group they met were so grateful for their introduction to sail training that they presented OYT North with a delicious homemade cake.

The Spittal Scouts, a group of 21 children aged nine to 13, had a wonderful time exploring the vessel. They were shown around the yacht’s living quarters and deck whilst the crew explained the challenges and opportunities which can be achieved through sailing.

The children were very excited by the visit and many were inspired to try sailing for themselves. Young scout Christopher Garland, 13, especially enjoyed his visit to the boat - so much so that the following day he brought the crew a fresh home-made cake to say thank you.

He said: “The best part of the day was chatting to Craig about all the things the crew do when they go on a long trip. I really like boats and it sounds like it would be a lot of fun to go sailing.

“I wanted to say thank you to everyone who showed us round the boat so as soon as I got home I asked my mum to make them a cake. I think that I’d really like to go sailing now and I hope I get the chance to go with Ocean Youth Trust sometime.”

Steve Lennon, General Manager of OYT North, added: “I was very touched when Christopher and his parents came back the day after their visit with their homemade cake. It was absolutely delicious and the crew devoured it very quickly!

“It’s really great to see that the work we are doing in the North East to promote the benefits of sail training is having an impact. The responsibility and team-building skills young people can develop aboard a boat can be so important in later life. I hope that we will see the Scouts from Berwick again soon and this time give them the opportunity to get out on the water and try taking the wheel themselves.”

Many other groups including families, army cadets, schools and the mayor came along to have a tour of the OYT North yacht James Cook. They were shown around the boat and introduced to the basic skills needed when at sea.

OYT North specialises in the personal development of young people through Adventure under Sail on their purpose built vessel James Cook. They work with young people between the ages of 12 to 25 helping them to escape the challenges they face at home to become part of a real team. The young people develop their life skills by using their sailing experience as a tool. It can build up their self esteem and develop their awareness of the needs of others. Most activities onboard James Cook can be cross referenced to the School curriculum.

If you are interested in learning more about Ocean Youth Trust North or would like to book a sailing trip, email Rachel using the Contact form, or phone the office on 0191 257 1212.

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