Since September eight crews of people who live and work in Newark have been sailing around the UK with the same fundraising goal. Students from public service, sport and business courses at Newark College joined the voyage from Hull to London to promote education.
Acting as deckhands for the trip, the learners got stuck into a variety of tasks including cleaning and maintenance, food preparation, putting up the sail and even steering the boat.
Their five day adventure ended in style as London Tower Bridge was opened and crowds gathered to greet them, with the event televised nationally.
Tutor Steph Evans, who accompanied the crew said: “I thoroughly enjoyed this once in lifetime experience. It was both amazing and challenging all in one.
“It was great to see the students gain in confidence as they picked up so many new life skills.”
Business student Nicole Webb said:” I learnt a lot about myself on the trip and I honestly couldn’t have done it with a better group of people.
“It was great to mix with students from other courses and we all supported each other really well, particularly on the first night when a lot of us were badly seasick.
“I loved it though and I’d recommend it to anyone.”
Mason Pindar said: “It was brilliant going through Tower Bridge, there were hundreds of people there waving at us. It didn’t dawn on me what we had achieved until that moment.
“It was an exhilarating experience and I feel humbled and honoured to have been a part of it.”
When not sailing, the students have been actively fundraising for YMCA Community and Activity Village in Newark. The Village will be home to world-class sports, health, education and arts facilities, including integrated programmes, opportunities and employment pathways for families and young people in Newark and Sherwood.
There is still time to support the cause and donations can be made here.
