Day one was started with receiving customised new kit from the school, made especially for this trip. We had a long minibus ride and, since we arrived two hours before schedule, we stopped at a big Tesco to stock up on supplies. We then went to Maccas, which was a vital stop.

After burning time, we disembarked and made our way past security and met our lovely crew. We went through admin, which was fun but thorough, and then we got straight to business.

Two watches were made and we got to our duties. One watch cooked pasta while the other team bonded and tidied away the deck. After cruising smoothly to the Isle of Wight, we moored and ate tea.

We bonded a bit more and then the watches separated again. One watch cleared up and cleaned the cooking area while the other started to wash and prepare for the night. The other watch soon followed.

We then had a debrief and got ready for bed. Everyone agreed it was a wonderful day, and we were all glad to not be at school.

By Luca and crew

After waking up in Cowes, one watch prepared a cereal breakfast while the other did some maintenance and cleaning – like cleaning the heads and an engine inspection.

We then rigged up our staysail and Yankee sail before setting sail at 9am. After leaving Cowes, we raised the mainsail and Yankee sail before making our way towards Poole Harbour.

Our very helpful instructors taught us how to tack and gybe along the way before explaining some important safety drills in emergency situations like man overboard, fire, taking on water and piracy on the high seas.

The conditions then deteriorated slightly before a 30-degree tilt claimed our first seasickness victim. We then had pasties for lunch before practising a man-overboard drill.

After tidying up, cooking dinner and putting the boat to bed, we played many rounds of Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza and then everyone lived happily ever after.

By Port Watch

We woke up to the tapping of rain above our heads,

We were still awakening in our beds.

After eating bacon and bread,

We cleaned the floor and the heads.

We set up the boat for the day,

The skies were only dull and grey.

After setting off from port,

The time spent dry was very short.

We commenced our first race,

In which we came first place.

We set up the mainsail,

The energy levels were off the rail.

The boat leant at a high angle,

And all we could do was dangle.

The deck was touching the water,

As our distance to shore got shorter.

The waterproofs were fire,

But the waves were even higher.

The crew led us to shore,

And we prepared to moor.

The crew were experienced and nice,

And they were as cool as ice.

Their patience was immense,

And competition got really tense.

We competed on the beach,

And first place was not out of reach.

We won again and got two for two,

And we couldn’t have done it without our crew.

– Luca and Miranda

Left at seven, breakfast before eleven

Ever moving, always grooving

Via the Needles

In through The Solent

All living in the moment

The wind was not working, so we got the motor whirring

Halyards lowered, bangers devoured

And there was a seal, it was a big deal

Night Nav to come, it’ll be loads of fun

By Lara, Tom, Africa and Olly