Tall Adventure for Bebington High

With the help of Sponsorship from both the Regional and National Tall Ship Youth Trust, Wirral Safer School Police Team and TESCO, 40 students aged between 14 -16 years from Mosslands School & Bebington High Sports College, left Wirral by coach and headed to Swansea on Saturday 23rd April, to meet their tall ship the Stavros S Niarchos and head off for the opportunity of a lifetime.

As the ship came into view the students buzzed with excitement some even with a little trepidation, but all were totally amazed at the size of the vessel.

Everyone had to get involved in sailing the ship (it’s a 24-hour job) so when each student boarded the tall ship they were allocated a watch under the expert guidance of a Watch Leader and a bunk to sleep in for the week. They learnt how to set the sails, handle the ropes, take the helm, keep a proper lookout and be involved in all the other varied tasks that keep a vessel sailing.

The vessel headed to Warren Point in Northern Ireland and arrived after two days, were the crew were able to go ashore and look around. During this time they had the chance to take part in a rowing competition which was organised by as part of the Royal Yachting Association qualification. Then on Thursday 28th April they left the beautiful scenery of Northern Ireland and set sail back to Liverpool.

The week flew by with a range of extreme weather conditions ranging from calm waters, glorious blue skies to winds so strong you could hardly stand up and cruel rough seas that made most of the crew feel quite sick.

The students found the trip was both physically and mentally demanding but it gave them the chance to learn new skills. They had plenty of time to relax have fun and also meet new friends. On Friday morning to the sound of beating drums they sailed into the River Mersey were they were met on the Liverpool waterfront by family members.

Just before the students left the Stavros S Niarchos many achieved their personal goal by climbing right to the top of the ships mast, touching the top and then coming back down the other side.

The voyage was a huge success with the students acting as great ambassadors for the school. They thoroughly enjoyed their adventure on the seas and many requested to go back again.