Ten secondary school students have been given the opportunity to take part in a five-day sailing voyage through the High Tide Foundation with support from Ocean Youth Trust and Moore Stephens.

The group of young people, from five different secondary schools on Teesside, departed last month from South Shields to begin a five day trip sailing up the east coast of the UK.

Aboard the James Cook, a 21 metre, 54 tonne steel-hulled ketch, the students took part in activities including steering the boat, putting up the sails and being stationed on watch. This trip challenges the young people to engage as a team, develop a range of personal skills and build confidence.

Lauren Bywater, High Tide General Manager, commented: “One of the most important skills the youngsters have learnt over the years from this trip is independence. Some of these individuals have never made a hot drink or slept away from home before so this experience provides something very valuable.”

The High Tide Foundation has been running this ‘Sea and Learn’ trip with Ocean Youth Trust for the last three years and following positive feedback from the students, this year the trip has been extended from three days to five.

Joining the students from local schools including St Peter’s Catholic School, Outwood Academy Bydales, Sacred Heart School, Unity City Academy and Dyke House Academy were two High Tide volunteers who attend to help the youngsters make the most of this experience.

Holly Fielding, a volunteer chaperone on the voyage, commented: “This trip was fantastic. I found it so rewarding to see the young people thrive in an environment so different to what they are used to. Having this opportunity to be away from home allowed them to try new things and meet new people, which they wouldn’t be able to do normally.”