Pupils from a school in Keighley hope to sail to success in an international tall ship race!
The group of students from Oakbank School will take part in the first leg of the 2011 Tall Ships Race that starts in Waterford, Ireland, on Saturday, 2 July.
This is the first time pupils from the school have participated in the race series and they will face tough competition from over 50 other tall ships from a range of countries including Russia, Holland, Poland, and Indonesia. Over 1,000 people will take part.
Their involvement follows a development programme supported by Bradford Council to promote greater participation in adventurous activities, including sail training and other watersports.
Pupils and teachers have enthusiastically embraced the programme and, in preparation for the race, they have sailed with Maybe Sailing during voyages off the Yorkshire coast, from Whitby and Grimsby. The pupils have also received sailing and canoeing instruction at Doe Park Sailing Centre.
Coun Ralph Berry, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for children and young people, said: “This trip will show young people the importance of teamwork and it will give the pupils valuable new skills, challenges and lessons in responsibility.”
Chris Buckley Director of Specialism and Assistant Headteacher at Oakbank School, said: “I am proud that so many pupils are taking part in the initiative, which is not only great fun but makes a valuable contribution to school life.
“Maybe Sailing has been a great partner to the school and provided a very flexible activity programme. I’m confident our pupils will have a great time.”
The race will end in Greenock in Scotland and pupils will return to school on Monday, 11 July.
