Public Services Ride the Waves! - 29 June 2004

Buoyed by the success of their sailing exploits last year, the BTEC Public services courses have continued to follow the rich maritime tradition of Ipswich by undertaking a five day sailing expedition across the North Sea and English Channel.

Recently, a group of ten students studying on the National Diploma for Public Services signed on as crew on board the Cirdan Sailing Trust`s 72ft ketch Hartlepool Rennaisance.

During their time afloat they experienced what is was like to survive in a totally new (and confined) environment in which they totally depended on each other. As well as learning how to sail and navigate they were required to plan for and undertake all catering, cleaning and watch keeping.

Tutors Keith Skingley and Sian Cooper who accompanied, them were impressed with the manner in which they coped with the long hours, hard work and (sometimes) uncomfortable conditions at sea. Keith Skingley commented that: “The course provided a perfect opportunity for teamwork and self development. Students undertook some lengthy passage making, including a night sail to France along with completing a Royal Yachting Association Competent Crew qualification.” He also stated that the Cirdan Sailing Trust were so impressed with the students that they have invited some back as staff to work with other young people undertaking charters during the summer.

The First Diploma students, never ones to ‘miss out on a good thing’ also recently undertook a nautical teamwork and leadership exercise. This involved navigating and steering the high-speed the Rigid Inflatable Coastal Voyager from Southwold to the new North Sea Wind Farm off Great Yarmouth and back. Student Joe Beggs said afterwards: “This was one of the most exciting and challenging experiences of the course so far, we really had to work together!”

END

Notes for Editors

For further information please contact:

Keith Skingley, Tutor

Tel: 01473 296657

Email: keithskingley@suffolk.ac.uk

Sian Cooper, Tutor

Tel: 01473 296309

Email: siancooper@suffolk.ac.uk

Issued by Promotions

29 June 2004