"We even saw a submarine!"
Some of our pupils had sailed before and others had never even set foot on a sailing boat, but they all learnt new skills at The Mount Batten Watersports Activities Centre in Plymouth
They spent a full five days on the water led by experienced instructors, including our very own Danielle Peevor and Sarah Gratton.
Ms. Gratton said: “We had consistent wind and sunshine throughout our stay.
“In the evenings we explored local beaches, taking a water taxi across to The Barbican; old town of Plymouth, also venturing on a ferry across to Cornwall.
“Every day brought new challenges sailing between naval battle ships anchored in Plymouth sound, observing the arrival of a nuclear submarine to the area, sailing amongst tall ships towering above us!”
“But most of all the challenges all the young people set for themselves was of the highest standard, each individually striving to do the best they could and more,” added Ms Gratton.
The KitKat awards were presented each evening in recognition of individuals daily achievements from, coolest chilled out sailor to the best hiker, happiest helm and the capsize king! On the final day, individual certificates and Royal Yachting Association awards were given to individuals in recognition of their achievements.
The following are some comments from the pupils and their families:
A parent wrote: “As a new pupil to St David’s College and having never sailed before, he was a little nervous, but came home absolutely full of stories and, most importantly, with a great sense of achievement having had an amazing time in Plymouth.”
One of the pupils said: “Amazing crew, amazing fun and we even saw a submarine!”
Another parent said: “We were kept informed throughout, plenty of pictures each day so we could see what the children were up to.
“Our son arrived back full of beans and stories of sailing, campfires and the odd encounter with a warship.”
"The sailing trip exemplifies the school life at St David’s. The ability to be challenged, learn new skills and unbelievable memory making with great people. My kids have the best school I never had!”
