Thirteen Year 12 students from LAE embarked on an unforgettable sailing adventure this summer, led by Dr. Huang. Students applied on the Crew Recruitment Form and were selected through a process which gave priority to those from disadvantaged backgrounds, those who had never travelled far from home before, and young carers.

Overcoming Challenges, Building Teamwork

Driven by their own ambition and the support of LAE, students raised over £1,900 towards the trip through bake sales, raffles, and grant applications. The remaining amount was generously provided by LAE with additional support from The Rona Sailing Project, a charity dedicated to providing inclusive sail training opportunities for young people, who provided a special £100 grant for each student in receipt of Free School Meals.

The better weather this year allowed for a more ambitious voyage than in previous years. After a day learning the ropes, literally, aboard the impressive 73-foot yacht, the crew set sail for Alderney in the Channel Islands. Their journey was not without challenges: a sudden shift in wind direction ripped the mainsail in half, forcing our crew to rely on the engine to reach safe harbour and strong waves also caused some of our student sailors to experience bouts of seasickness.

Despite these setbacks, the crew demonstrated incredible teamwork and resilience. They worked together to haul in the damaged sail and maintained positive spirits. A sunny day exploring the beautiful beaches of Alderney rejuvenated all, and our return journey offered a truly magical experience – a tranquil and magical sail under a breathtaking display of stars.

Learning Beyond the Seascape

As Shanaya, one of our student sailors, eloquently expressed: "I absolutely cherished the experience I had whilst sailing and would recommend it to anyone who wants to develop their skills and expertise and meet and make friends with new people you may not normally be around at school.  It also pushes you out of your comfort zone and allows you to make mistakes (I made so many) which is vital for personal and professional development.  The most fun part was the night sailing which i was initially dreading but the crew and steering the wheel made the whole experience so enjoyable. I can't wait to return next time and am delighted to have achieved the Amory award."

This experience not only allowed students to acquire sailing skills but also fostered valuable life skills like teamwork, resourcefulness, and responsibility. The opportunity to step outside your comfort zone and learn from unforeseen challenges is an aspect of this type of trip that we especially value. 

The LAE sailing experience is truly unforgettable. Perhaps you'll be part of our next crew.