Ocean Youth Trust South Voyage 2026

Harris Academy Merton Sailing Trip

On the 23rd June, ten students and two teachers from Harris Academy Merton embarked on an exciting sailing trip to Portsmouth.

After a quick stop for lunch, they boarded the boat, keen to start their adventure. They left Ocean Village as soon as the welcome and safety briefings were done.

Day 1: Setting Sail for Weymouth

They motored straight to Johnny Caulcutt’s buoy off Yarmouth, ready for the outgoing tide to take them west the next morning.

But first, there was the chance to enjoy the evening on deck. What a fantastic day on the water!

Day 2: Sailing and Learning

Next morning, they set off for Weymouth. A great spell of sailing and glorious sunshine on the way, giving the boys a taste of the joys of sailing.

Lumpy seas meant some seasickness, but everyone pushed on through.

Day 3: Beach and Swimming

On Wednesday morning, the beach and swimming cooled everyone down, and they planned a route back east to Totland Bay on the Isle of Wight.

Eager to earn a qualification, everyone got stuck into the RYA Start Yachting syllabus, with a man overboard recovery demonstration and fire drill completed enroute, as well as another spell of sailing before the wind dropped away.

Day 4: Exploring the Coast

There were great views as they came in through the Needles. It was a stunning evening, enjoying a beach BBQ and watching the sun set behind Prolific.

Day 5: Final Leg and Return

Early to rise on Thursday as they needed to get fuel in Cowes, and with a stiff easterly, they had the ideal opportunity to experience tacking, at pace!

They waved to another sail training vessel, Queen Galadriel, on the way and went for ice-cream in Cowes before returning to Ocean Village, where the voyage ended on Friday.

Harris Academy Merton's sailing trip was a fantastic opportunity for students to develop new skills, build teamwork and enjoy the beautiful UK coastline.

We are proud of our students for their dedication and enthusiasm throughout the trip.

Exploring Pathways to Success

The voyage was designed to provide students with the opportunity to explore different pathways to success beyond the classroom and traditional academic settings. It enabled them to experience life and work in a unique environment far removed from their everyday experiences in London, encouraging independence, resilience and teamwork.

Throughout the journey, students developed valuable life skills, including preparing and cooking meals, maintaining shared living spaces, communicating effectively with both adults and peers, taking responsibility for themselves and others, and emerging as confident peer leaders.

These experiences helped foster personal growth, self-confidence and a greater understanding of what can be achieved through challenge and collaboration.