In the last week of June Bolton Sailing Club and Pendle Community High School combined together to give every student in school a unique sailing experience regardless of their disabilities. The school and club have been in partnership for the last 3 years providing sailing to the year 11 pupils as part of their PE curriculum. This year the aim was for every pupil in the school with their teachers and support staff to have an enjoyable sailing experience at the lovely setting of Belmont Reservoir. The pupils had the opportunity to sail Access dinghy’s, Optimists, GP14’s and a Torch as well as trips around the lake in the rescue boat.
The week started with excellent sailing conditions; a gentle breeze, and sunshine. The enjoyment was clear to see on the faces of the pupils as they sailed around the reservoir in the various boats, For the vast majority of pupils this was the first time they had been sailing and therefore a unique experience.
Unfortunately the good weather was not to last, well it is the first week of Wimbledon!!
The rain came but did not stop the enjoyment and fun. The smiles and the whoops of joy continued. It was clear that the activity had boosted the pupils self-esteem and confidence.
Throughout the week a number of visitors arrived. On Tuesday Sally Kilpatrick the RYA’s regional Development Officer came to inspect the sailing club for its Annual Inspection. On Thursday Ian Shirra from RYA Sailability came to enjoy the fun. Unfortunately Ian brought with him more heavy rain! Then on Friday Ian Cook from Lancashire Education Authority visited as part of the authority’s inspection of Educational Visits. Both Ians became fully involved in the activities helping the instructors with a group of young children who presented them with some interesting challenges. One young lady didn’t want to join in and refused to go near a boat but by the end of the day she didn’t want to come out!
Ian Shirra paid the instructors a great compliment by saying that the week was an excellent example of OnBoard & Sailability working together.
As Deputy Headteacher of Pendle Community High School I must thank and congratulate all the volunteers for their dedication and hard work in making the week possible and for making it an extremely enjoyable week for all the staff and children. My thanks also go to Steve Sawford from SSM who provided the access boats that proved such a great success.
