Plain sailing ahead for Cupar teenagers after boat trip

Taylor Muir and John Jack with Cupar Youth Cafe co-ordinatr Gemma Frail

Taylor Muir (18) and John Jack (17) took part in a five-day sailing trip along with Youth Café co-ordinator Gemma Frail and six other young people from across Fife.

The trip, organised by Ocean Youth Trust Scotland, was open to those involved in the 16+Activity Agreement Programme, a Scotland-wide initiative for young people who need support in moving on to work, further education or training.

The sail started at Oban and took the young people around the west coast of Scotland.

They learned valuable skills in team work, communication and skills development as well as gaining official Royal Yachting Association qualifications and an SVQ in communication.

Said Gemma: “The trip was a huge success and a huge opportunity for our local young people to engage in a fantastic hands-on adventure.

“The trip was hosted by five sea staff from Ocean Youth Trust, who worked with the young people to help them to sail the boat, learn the skills it takes to navigate the sea and experience all the aspects of sea life.

“The young people thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

“It was great to see them stepping out of their comfort zone and pushing themselves to learn new skills and really flourish in a challenging environment.

“The staff team at Ocean Youth Trust Scotland did an amazing job at encouraging all the young people to take part and really learn some new and valuable life skills along the way that they can take forward into their own working lives.”

Taylor and John were equally enthusiastic.

“Sailing with Ocean Youth Trust Scotland was a great experience,” said Taylor.

“It was really hard work but we learned lots of new skills and made some new friends along the way. It’s definitely something I will remember forever.”

John said: “It was great fun learning about sailing. It was a tough week adjusting to sea life but worth it.

“The best bit was seeing how teamwork helped us all sail this huge yacht. A great experience.”

Ocean Youth Trust Scotland is a youth work charity that aims to help young people aged between 12 and 25 discover their true potential through sail training.