In glorious summer weather 22 students from Paignton Community and Sports College set out to Salcombe for a water sports activity week on board the old Mersey ferry, the Egremont.  The week was organised by Salcombe Island Cruising Club and gives both children and adults a chance to experience water sports in a safe and controlled area with qualified instructors at a very low price. 

The residential provides a fantastic opportunity for the students to develop independence and confidence.  Katy Cuckston (i/c Outdoor Education at PCSC) said “the students have gained an awful lot from their week with the ICC, it has provided them with the opportunity to learn a number of different water skills but mostly it has developed their self esteem, team work and has allowed staff to see them developing and dealing with scenarios outside the classroom environment.”

The activities provided by the ICC include Topper, Pico and Squib sailing, raft building, canoeing, windsurf board games and power boating.  All activities were thoroughly enjoyed by the students with the instructors at ICC making everything fun and enjoyable.  The main emphasis on the week was to develop the students sailing abilities to assist them with their BTEC Outdoor Education course they are currently studying at the College.  Pete Muskett (Onboard Development Officer and Community Sailing Coach) said “the ICC is a fantastic organisation which allows young people to be introduced to the world of sailing and we hope that after this experience it will encourage them to continue with the sport within their local sailing clubs.”

A big thank you must go to the Rotary Club of Torbay Sunrise who very kindly sponsored the transport from AB coaches and provided money for a hardship fund to help students who struggled to raise the funds to attend.  This allowed the school to keep the cost of the trip to a minimum and for the trip to be available to all students within the College.

Sailing at the Island Cruising Club