Bexhill High students have a head for heights

TWO BEXHILL High students proved they have a head for heights when they celebrated the finale of the Tall Ships Youth Trust Voyage of Achievement by sailing under Tower Bridge, London, while manning the yards of Tall Ship Stavros S Niarchos 45-metres above the River Thames.

Katie Horscroft and Bradley Forward, both aged 16, were among a crew of 43 students from 21 schools from across England who set sail from Newcastle on an eleven day voyage which took them to the Dutch port of Scheveningen and Ipswich before their arrival in London.

During the voyage, which was funded by the HSBC Global Education Trust, they worked round the clock in teams to scale the ship's masts, scrubbed decks, kept watch and practised man overboard and other safety drills.

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Each student was specially selected to take part in the voyage by their school, which set the selection criteria.

Katie and Bradley say they have great memories of the voyage, the new friends they made, and the hard work involved in working together as a team.

Katie said: "I have had such fun meeting new people, climbing, learning how to helm and more - a fantastic opportunity! I'm so glad to have been a part of it."

Bradley said the voyage was, " brilliant, a once in a lifetime experience" adding: "The thing I am most proud of is being able to reach the highest sail."

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Captainof Stavros S Niarchos, Stuart Paterson, said: "When these young people first joined the ship in Newcastle, they didn't know each other and had very little idea what life would be like onboard.

"They lived togetherin close proximity and have worked brilliantly together as a team. They've learnt many new skills and made lifelong friendships with their fellow crew members, whilst building their self confidence.

2They should all be very proud ofwhat they have achieved."

More than 400 young people have now taken part in the Voyage of Achievement since its launch 10 years ago.

Paul Sinclair, Education Executive, HSBC Global Education Trust said: "HSBC continues to support the Tall Ships Voyage of Achievement because we want to make a difference in the communities we operate in.

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"Sailing can be an inspirational experience and these voyages develop important life skills that young people can take back into their community, school or into a future career."

Throughout the Voyage, the students were mentored by the Tall Ships Youth Trust's experienced crew.

Tim Law, Operations Director of the Trust, said: "For eleven days the students lived in close quarters with each other in a new and challenging environment, developing skills that will stand them in good stead for their future lives."

Stavros S Niarchos is a 60-metre steel hulled, two-masted, square-rigged brig, dedicated to youth work at sea for 14 to 25 year olds.

The vessel's 18 sails have a sail area equivalent to the size of four tennis courts, and she carries nearly 9 miles of wire and rope.