Organised by Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council’s Route to Employment team and the Cidrian Trust, the trip gave young people the opportunity to take the helm of a ship, change sails and complete a range of challenging tasks.
The seven-day adventure gave the beginners an opportunity to cope in a completely different environment, live in a confined space and work with a group of people they had never met before, which demanded trust, respect and teamwork.
Setting sail from Hartlepool Marina, the ship – the Faramia – headed into the North Sea following the coast to Whitby.
Taking turns in shifts on watching the anchor, the two teams also carried out a number of checks during the night, as the ship passed from Filey to Burnham-on-Crouch in Essex.
Journeying down the River Orwell to their final destination at The Royal Harwich Yacht Club, the sailors finally docked five days later with a wealth of sailing experience and a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) qualification to prove it.
Cllr Carl Quartermain, cabinet member for jobs, skills and leisure at Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council said:
“We are incredibly impressed and proud of our young people who took part in this fantastic sailing trip, one which they will never forget.
“Residential activities like these are a great way to build character, confidence and skills to prepare young people for employment, and I would like to thank the Routes to Employment team at the council especially for organising this remarkable trip.”
To find out more about the Routes to Employment initiatives, please call 01642 444666.