Sailing the spirit of Excelsior with Alderman Peel School
Sailing the spirit of Excelsior - An overview from Erin...
What a week! Selected from countless applications, ten lucky students were given the opportunity to set sail aboard the Excelsior along with two amazing teachers, Mr Tomlinson and Miss Carter de Bois.
Our adventure started with the bus journey to Lowestoft, which was filled with a nervous excitement. The forecast for the week ahead was warm and sunny, with very little wind, so we were hopeful the sea would be calm and kind as we travelled to the Netherlands and back.
Upon arrival at The Excelsior Trust in Lowestoft, Ex APHS student Louis, gave us an informative tour of the boat yard where we saw boats in need of some tender loving care.
Finally, the time had come to board the Excelsior and with great eagerness we explored the boat which was to be our home for the next week. We were excited to meet the members of the crew and the volunteers who would be our family.
Just before setting off, we had the opportunity to board a Dutch Navy vessel and have a tour and a chat. Feeling fortunate we left Lowestoft exhilarated and began our voyage to Hellevoetsluis.
As we set sail our learning began immediately, practical skills like making fast, sweating and tailing ropes and tying various knots. We had a chance to steer the helm and log our progress hour by hour in the navigation room. In two watches we learnt to value the need for good teamwork, utilising our strengths and championing each other while celebrating our successes along the way.
The sea was kind; however, a few battled sea sickness but our spirits remained high. Everyone had the same aim: to be the best crew that we could be, we even invented our own chant to keep our rope pulling coordinated. It was hard work, tiring but fun. Surrounded by the sounds of the sea, we felt exuberant. On our travels we were blessed to catch a glimpse of bioluminescent partials in the water and a radiant orange blood moon which reflected its beauty in the shimmering waters.
Our cooking skills were put to the test, as each watch was tasked with making one meal a day that would feed seventeen hungry crew members. We cooked a variety of food, from pancakes and pastas to curries and chillies. Considering all meals were prepared in a cosy galley kitchen, our culinary skills shone and the food exceeded our expectations. In addition, every morning, it was all hands-on deck as we cleaned the Excelsior vessel, the crew called this ‘Happy Hour’, consisting of deck scrubbing, kitchen cleaning and the not so popular task of cleaning the heads!
Our first destination was Hellevoetsluis port in Holland, a chance to set foot on dry land albeit we were a little wobbly at first and needed to adjust our sea legs. We had the opportunity to explore the town with its charming architecture. As we headed back to port, next on the agenda was swimming and playing in the warm waters by the lighthouse. It was a great way to unwind and relax before heading back onboard refreshed and ready.
We left Hellevoetsluis in the early hours to ensure we would make good time as we headed to our next destination. Just six hours later we arrived in stunning Rotterdam. Our home for a whole day and night. Rotterdam was beautiful and we enjoyed exploring this vibrant town. The food hall was also a hit and gave us all an opportunity to buy souvenirs and gifts for loved ones as well as replenish our snacks! As the day drew to an end it was bitter sweet, we were excited to be sailing again but also sad that our trip was drawing to a close as we were to embark on our homeward journey.
However, the homeward voyage did not disappoint, it was every bit as beautiful as our outward one and as it was summer solstice we relished the fact that time was on our side with a breathtaking solstice sunrise. Our spirits were higher than ever and now in the swing of crew life we were settled and living our best lives.
Land ahoy! Lowestoft was on the horizon. We had accomplished what we had set out to achieve, we had successfully sailed all the way to the Netherlands and back. Our time on board fostered great team ethics not only within out own watches but as one big crew. Taking pride in our learning, our achievements and in representing our school. Being part of the student Excelsior crew taught us so much about ourselves, how we rise to personal challenges, and have ambition to overcome our fears. It allowed us to utilise our strengths while giving us the chance to recognise where we can develop and grow.
To conclude, our time on Excelsior was filled with special moments. The kind generosity of our sponsors has given us this unforgettable experience of self-discovery and valuable skills which we will take with us as we navigate our future journeys. It’s been a voyage of lifetime and one we feel extremely privileged to have had. Heartfelt thanks to all who made this possible.
Erin H-B 9W
Sailing the spirit of Excelsior - A personal perspective from Jake...
Excelsior was a once in a lifetime experience which has really benefited me as a person. From a personal perspective I feel I have grown in confidence and in just a week I have learnt so much about the maritime industry and sailing.
When I started the trip I knew nothing about sailing, but now I feel I have gained important knowledge which I’m sure will come in handy in later life. Excelsior has encouraged to try new things and with guidance from all of the crew on the boat we took part in many jobs like hoisting the sails, navigating and helming, using a tiller to keep the boat on its course.
It has also encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone, for instance we all took turns cooking for everyone in our watch groups, and cleaning the boat by scrubbing the deck. This was truly an experience I will never forget.
Jake J Y9
