Clacton Foundation

Sailing Residential

Sailing Residential October 2017

During October we had the pleasure of taking ten learners on Sailing Barge Reminder

for a five day residential, With the Sea-Change Sailing Trust.

Our courses cater for learners with a multitude of learning difficulties, so

consequently the group who took part in the sailing residential have a wide range of

individual barriers to learning, in a social capacity, as well as academically. With this

in mind, the sailing trip really is a great challenge for each individual.

Learners were quickly initiated into life on-board, as they were required to work in

teams to sail the barge, under the watchful eye, and careful tuition of the barge’s

skipper and crew. The teams had to complete such tasks as steering, setting and

stowing the sails, and a multitude of other different tasks, vital to the safe passage of

the barge.

During the trip we sailed past Mersea Island, past the Colne estuary and

Brightlingsea, before heading northwards, along the Essex coast. Sailing past

Jaywick, Clacton-on-Sea, Frinton-on-Sea, Walton-on-the-Naze, we were lucky enough

to be close enough to the shore to see the parents of some of the learners, who had

made their way to the end of Walton Pier to see us sail by. We sailed past the Naze

Tower, and round into Hamford Water. The group were treated to some up close

and personal encounters with crabs, whilst down below the other team set about

preparing dinner, the Learners were expected to cook for themselves, in an effort to

spend a few days in complete self-sufficiency.

The learners all had a chance to go ashore at, to explore remote, desolate beaches,

and to steady their sea legs, and to get up close and personal with the seal colony

that lives in Oakley Creek. This was an undoubted highlight for a group of young

people who had never had the opportunity to get so close to seals before.

As the week progressed, both groups had the chance to show and develop the skills

that they had learnt throughout the week, to work (sometimes) seamlessly as part of

a team, in a challenging environment. At the end of both weeks the barge was

moored alongside at Maldon allowing plenty of time for the learners to clean her,

from top to bottom, in readiness for the following group to charter her.

With the individuals working as part of a team, they were able to develop vital social

skills, and wider key skills, that will allow them to function more successfully both in

college and in their personal lives. I think that the sailing residential experience

offers a massive array of opportunities for the individuals who take part; the

resulting developments in my learners are clearly evident, in both their social and

academic lives.

Karl Delaine

Callum

Monday

I got to the college at 6.45am, it was really early! I went with my

friend Taylor. We got on the mini bus, with all our stuff. We drove

to Maldon, and put all our things and the food on board the boat.

The food was dropped off by Tescos. To get everything onto

the boat, we formed a human chain, and passed it from the quay, on

to the barge. When the water was high enough we set sail down the

river Blackwater. We stopped at Bradwell, near the power station

for the night. We went on to the beach, and met a man who was

metal detecting. He had found a bullet from a Spitfire plane.

Tuesday

I learnt how to do some knots today, I learned how to do a Bowline,

hopefully I can tie the barge up when we get back to Maldon. This

morning my team had to wind in the anchor, it was really hard,

because there was miles of chain out because of the wind last night.

It took ages. We sailed up past Clacton today, and around behind

Walton on the Naze. I enjoyed the sailing today, it was fun. We

are going to have Lasagne for dinner tonight, YUM!

Wednesday

I helped cooked breakfast this morning, before we got the anchor in

and sailed back towards Brightlingsea. It was a nice day to sail,

and we went along quickly. When it was my turn not to be on deck, I

played Uno with my friends. This afternoon it got really foggy, so

foggy that we couldn’t see where we were going. We had to go

really slowly, but then we stopped, because we got stuck in the

mud. It was good for me, because I got to do some extra crabbing!

We are having bangers and mash for dinner, my favourite.

Thursday,

We had a lie in this morning, as it was the other groups turn to do

breakfast. But I helped to make hot drinks for everyone anyway.

Before we went up on deck I phoned Ryan, to tell him what we have

been doing. He wants to come next time. We had a lot of work to

do on deck today; there was a lot of rope pulling! I climbed up the

rigging twice, once to undo the topsail, which was quite tricky to do.

I have enjoyed doing lots of jobs today.

Friday,

We sailed from Osea to Maldon this morning, which was nice. We

got to Maldon just in time to eat our sandwiches. Then Richard

talked about what had been our best bits of the trip. I said that I

liked all of it. I have made new friends, and have got a lot more

confidence. But my best part of the trip was climbing up the

rigging, and undoing the topsail.

Connor

Monday,

We got on the minibus at Clacton and travelled to Maldon. We

then got on the Boat. The barge was bigger than I thought it

would be, I didn’t know that it would have bathrooms. We sailed to

Bradwell where we anchored. It was very windy the first night, I was

a bit nervous, because I’d never slept on a boat before. But I was

so tired that I slept really well.

Tuesday,

I woke up early because everyone was really noisy. It was seven

o’clock! We sailed past Brighlingsea, Clacton, Frinton and

Walton to Hamford Water. Today I drove the barge. It’s much

harder than driving a car. I have pulled on lots of ropes, and have

done lots of different jobs today. I feel a lot more confident now,

and I’m worried anymore. We are going to have Lasagne for tea

tonight.

Wednesday,

We were on deck duty this morning after breakfast. My job was to

wind in the anchor, with some help. It was so heavy, but we got it in

in the end. I was so tired. We set sail, and headed for

Brightlingsea. We had to wear the orange waterproofs, because it

was raining quite hard. I steered the boat until it got really foggy,

then Richard had to take over.

Thursday,

Today our team did breakfast. I got up first and set the table

ready for breakfast. I had toast for breakfast today. We sailed

from near Brightlingsea heading for Osea Island. I steered the

boat away. I really like steering the boat. I was on deck nearly all

day today, and pulled so many ropes. I did as many jobs as I could.

I also helped to make the sandwiches. I wound up the main sail,

when we came into Osea Island to anchor. It was really heavy! I

really like the house on Osea Island, I would like to live there.

Tonight we are having a roast dinner. I am really looking forward to

that.

Friday,

Today we sailed up to Maldon, and had our sandwiches. It was

good to be back on dry land! But I have had an amazing time, I

think that I have made lots of new friends, and have grown lots in

confidence. I would love to do something like this again.

Taylor,

Monday,

I got to the college at 7am, we waited with our bags, and the bus

didn’t arrive until 8.30am. After that we loaded our stuff onto the

minibus, and drove to Maldon. Once we got to Maldon we

unloaded the bus and loaded everything on to the boat, then took

everything down below deck, and took our stuff into our rooms. We

did our sailing safety activities. We talked about all the safety

rules, and then went up on deck, and the crew showed us parts of

the barge. Then we set sail, and sailed down the river Blackwater.

We stopped at Bradwell. We had dinner, pie and mash. I stayed

up for a bit, playing Uno with my friends, then I went to bed.

Tuesday,

We got up and had breakfast. I had a fry up, which was really good.

We sailed a lot today, going right past Clacton to Hamford

Water. It was lots of fun, I love sailing. I helped to make the

sandwiches today, I buttered the bread and put them together. I

climbed up the rigging today to undo the topsail, which was really

good fun. After dinner we played some more Uno, before we went

to bed.

Wednesday,

We got up and had breakfast. After that we had to get into our

wet weather clothes so that we could go up on deck and start work.

When I went up on deck I saw a blue boat. I helped to make some

cups of tea. We did a lot of sailing, and had to eat our sandwiches

while we were moving. We had to stop sailing near Brighlingsea

because it got really foggy, and we then got stuck in the mud. I did

some crabbing. I caught a big one on some bacon. We stayed up

playing games after dinner, which was fun.

Thursday,

We got up and had breakfast, before sailing back towards Maldon.

I helped to wind in the leeboards, which was really hard work. We

sailed down the river past some big square buildings that were a

power station. We stopped for the night at Osea Island. Which

was very quiet.

Friday,

We sailed up the river to Maldon, where we tidied the barge and

took all of our stuff off, and put it back onto the minibus. Richard

spoke to us all about what our favourite bit of the week was, I said

that I couldn’t pick a favourite bit, because I had loved all of it.

Katie

Monday,

We got on the minibus at Clacton and travelled to Maldon. We

then got to the boat called Reminder. It was really exciting to get

going. I was passing the groceries from the Tesco’s van across to

the Reminder, down into the gally. I accidently bumped my head on

the ceiling at the top of the stairs, now I have a big bump on my

head.

Tuesday,

This morning I was feeling ok, but when it got into the afternoon I

was sick on top of the boat, because I didn’t feel very well. I did get

a little upset because of my sea sickness. One of the girls gave me

some of her sea sickness tablets, and I was fine at 2.10pm in the

afternoon, right through to the evening.

Wednesday,

Today I helped to pull up the anchor. Because of my sea sickness

I took a tablet before going up on deck. I also helped to steer the

boat to Clacton on Sea and the pier. I pulled the ropes to take

the upper sail down. The weather was raining, so we put on some

orange water proofs to keep us dry and warm. I had to look out for

coloured things bobbing in the water, these were called lobster

pots. If I saw one I had to call to Richard, so that he could miss it.

We managed to make it through the lobster pots without catching

any. But then it got foggy, and we got stuck in the mud! We were

heading for Brightlingsea for the night, before heading back to the

start again at Maldon.

Thursday,

Today we left Brightlingsea and went to Osea Island. I didn’t

have to look for any lobster pots. I did climb up the rigging, which

was scary and fun.

Friday,

When we got back we had to get all of the stuff back onto the

minibus, which to a long time. Then we had to get the Reminder

really, really clean because there was another group going on after

us. I have had a wonderful week, apart from being sick.

Jade

Monday,

We went on the minibus to Maldon and took our bags off and put

them in our rooms. We met Richard and Hilary. For dinner I had

mash sweetcorn, peas and gravy.

Tuesday,

We put up the sails, and started to sail towards Clacton pier and

Walton pier. I had to help look out for lobster pots, so that they

don’t get stuck under the boat. If they do, someone would have to

swim underneath, and untangle it. Luckily we didn’t hit any. We saw

some seals today, out in the little rowing boat. I have never been

that close to the seals before, they were really cute. We helped to

make dinner; we had lasagne and garlic bread.

Wednesday,

My group did the breakfast and washing up. Then we went up on

deck to help with the sails. We went ashore, and I got stuck in the

mud. When we started going I felt a little bit sick. We set sail for

Brightlingsea. The weather was mad and windy. We had to put on

big orange waterproofs to keep dry. Then the fog came in towards

us, and we got stuck in the mud. I also looked for lobster pots

today.

Thursday,

Today I put up the sails and I pulled up the anchor. I climbed up

the rigging and I steered the boat. The boat is really hard to steer,

I didn’t really like steering it, it was too hard. I helped Paula to make

the teas, and to take them upstairs to everyone. I made my bed this

morning. For dinner tonight we are having a roast dinner. I did feel

a little bit sick today, I stayed up on deck, but instead of looking at

the horizon, I looked at the sea.

Friday,

Today we travelled back to Maldon, and got everything on the

minibus. I had a lovely time this week, and made some new friends.

My favourite bit was helping Paula with the cooking and making

teas.

Drew,

Monday

Today we went on the minibus to Maldon. We got onto the barge

Reminder. Some people were noisy last night, which annoyed me. I

did steer the barge today, and we had pie and mash for dinner,

which was nice.

Tuesday

We sailed from Brightlingsea past Jaywick, Clacton, Frinton and

Walton, to behind the Naze Tower. We went out in the little boat

to see the sea lions, it was great!

Wednesday

I steered the boat today, which was amazing, I also learned how to

tie a Bowline Knot. I did the breakfast this morning, and I helped

to grate the cheese for the sandwiched at lunchtime. The weather

was bad today, and I had to put orange waterproofs on. It got

really foggy this afternoon, and we got stuck in the mud!

Thursday

I helped to make the breakfast today, I like fried breakfasts. I have

also climbed up the rigging today. I am helping to cook the dinner

now.

Friday,

Today we sailed back to Maldon. We emptied and cleaned the

barge. Richard asked us what our best bits of the week was? I told

him that I loved all of it, and I would love to go again, but I liked

seeing the Sealions.

Becky,

Monday

On Monday I got to the college, and then we got everything onto

the minibus, and drove to the boat. We put our bags on to the

boat, into our own rooms. Then the Tescos food delivery arrived,

we had to spread out, and pass it along in a chain. Once

everything was on board, we set off, sailing down the River

Blackwater. We put the anchor down near to Brightlingsea, and

then made dinner, we had chicken pie, mash, peas and sweetcorn.

Tuesday,

Today I helped to wind up the anchor, and to pull a lot of ropes. I

also helped to give people drinks, and make the lunch.

Wednesday,

Today I got up and then I got dressed. The weather was bad

today, so I played Uno with my new friends. When the weather got

better I went up and helped to pull in the anchor. I fell over twice

today, because it was a little bit wet.

Thursday,

We helped to make breakfast, then we pulled up the anchor and set

off back towards Maldon. I helped to scrub the boat down today,

to make it all nice and clean. I got water in my boots. When we

stopped I climbed up the rigging. I climbed up really high, it was

really scary, but really cool.

Friday,

Today we sailed up the river Blackwater to Maldon. We had to

make the boat really, really clean, because there were some more

people going on after us. Richard then asked us what our best part

of the trip was. I said that my favourite bit was making new friends,

and climbing up the rigging. I am proud of myself for doing that.

Kali

Monday

We got on the minibus at Clacton and went to Maldon we took our

bags off the bus, and put them into our rooms. When we had done

that we met Richard and Hilary. We sailed to Bradwell, I helped to

steer the boat, it was really fun. For dinner tonight we had steak

pie mash and gravy.

Tuesday,

We put the sails up and started to sail towards Clacton Pier.

When we got past Clacton Pier we headed for Walton Pier.

Starboard watch made dinner tonight, which was lasagne and garlic

bread. I had to watch out for the black floating things, which had

lobster pots on them. We had to be very careful that we didn’t get

tangled in any.

Wednesday,

I made breakfast, and cooked the bacon. I helped to tidy the sails

on the boat today, which was quite tricky. I also got to steer the

boat today, which was a lot of fun.

Thursday,

This morning I helped to wind in the anchor, it was really heavy, and

took ages. We had a lot of tea and coffee today to warm us up. I

like to make tea, so I didn’t mind helping. We helped to make the

dinner this evening too.

Friday,

Today we sailed back to Maldon. We got all of our stuff off the

boat and put it back on the minibus. It was a really lovely week, I

really enjoyed meeting new people, it was so much fun.

Chantelle

Monday,

We went on a minibus to Maldon, then we took our bags and put

them in our rooms. After they were tidy, we met Richard and

Hilary. Then we got the shopping onto the boat, and put it all

away. We started to sail up the river to Bradwell, which is where we

are now. Tonight we are going to have pie and mash for dinner.

Tuesday,

Today we put the sails up and sailed from Bradwell towards

Clacton. We went quickly, and it didn’t take long to get there. The

other group made us Lasagne for dinner, it was really good. We

had to look out for lobster pots on the way, to make sure that we

didn’t get stuck on one. When we stopped tonight we went out in

the little boat, and I learnt to row. We saw the seals, they were

really cute.

Wednesday,

We saw some more seals this morning, before we left. We put up

the sails, and went back past Walton and Clacton to

Brightlingsea. We had to lift the little rowing boat right up before

we left, it was really heavy. I did a lot of steering today, it was fun,

but the weather was really bad.

Thursday,

I climbed up the rigging today, it was really great, I could see loads

from up there. The rigging goes from the side of the barge up the

mast, and is really high. I helped my team today, by making them lots

of teas and coffee. It was our turn to make dinner tonight. We will

have to get up at 8am in the morning, because we are doing the

breakfast. The other team can get up at 8.30, because they don’t

have to make the breakfast.

Friday,

After we made breakfast this morning we sailed back doen to

Maldon. We cleaned the barge really well, because there was

another group on her afterwards. It was such a lovely trip, I made

so many new friends, and I really liked steering the barge, learning

to row, and climbing up the rigging. I hope I can go again.

Ellie,

Monday,

On Monday we set of for Maldon where we met our captain,

Richard and his first mate, Hilary. Then we got all of our bags off

the minibus, and helped to get the food unloaded from the tescos

van. We sailed up the river and stopped at Bradwell.

Tuesday,

On Tuesday we set sail past Clacton then past Walton then we

stopped at Hamford Water. I caught a crab for the first time, but it

got away at the last moment. We also saw some seals from the little

rowing boat. The things that I am proud about today are that I

rowed the little boat, I caught a crab and I sailed the boat.

Wednesday,

Today we had to zig zag, or as Richard and Hilary call it “tacking”

against the wind. The things that I am proud of today are that I

learned how to do the Bowline knot. The other thing is that I had

to hook the sail to the horse, and had to be very careful not to

tangle it all up. The weather today wasn’t very good, it was very

windy and wet.

Thursday,

On Thursday we made Breakfast and lunch and then we helped

on the top deck, doing things like the anchor and leeboard winding.

I had to help to make lots of tea and coffee too. The thing that I

am really proud of today is that I climbed up the rigging, and I wasn’t

even scared.

Friday,

We set sail down the river towards Maldon. When we got there

there were people waving at us from the shore. We had to give the

boat a really good clean. Richard asked us what we were most

proud of doing this week. I told him that I was proud of lots of the

things that I had done, but the climbing the rigging was the best. I

was really looking forward to sleeping in my own bed!