"MACS sailing trips are amazing. They allow both MACS young people and siblings to share experiences and build friendships. Sailing helps build more skills than just sailing, their teamwork, communication, and even simple things like cooking and cleaning. These trips have given me the confidence and inspiration to become sea staff in the future and attend other sailing trips"
"Everyone came together and worked really well as a team. Despite being storm bound, everyone kept each other entertained and made sure everyone was having a good time. I liked being able to help someone with a complex impairment to come out of their shell and enjoy themselves!"
What an amazing voyage!
On Monday 25th August, 10 MACS young people set sail from Brixham on the boat Prolific for a week of adventure. Prolific is run by Ocean Youth Trust South and this year it was our 10th year of running sail training voyages for MACS young people.
On the voyage we sailed to Cawsand Bay, Dartmouth, Anstey’s Cove, and back to Brixham, sailing 108 nautical miles in total. Whilst on board, MACS young people learnt about sail handling, helming, anchoring, rope work, cooking and cleaning – every year we get consistently good feedback. Below is a diary of what we got up to!
Day 1 - Here we come!
Once everyone was safe and settled on the boat, the crew all got to know each other playing games around the table. Following the greeting, the young people were split into 'watches' – small groups of people who would sail the boat at any one time - and began their sail training adventure. The crew learnt how to use the winches to pull up the sails and how all the equipment worked, such as the gas for cooking, the heads, and the toilets on board. As the crew couldn’t sail out that evening, they headed to the beach to relax and skim rocks. The team climbed into bed for an early night ready for the adventure and enjoyed a wonderful WOM story, named because it was read by Will and Tom – two of our watch leaders!
Day 2 - Ahoy!
At 7:30am the crew were full of enthusiasm ready for an adventure. Before they could sail the crew had to complete ‘happy hour’, where the boat is cleaned from bow to stern, including doing the washing up and cleaning the heads. With the boat and crew ready, they began the journey to Cawsand Bay. Out in the ocean the wind was blowing all over the place and the boat began to rock. This meant that several crew members were sick. However, the crew all pulled together and helped each other through the rough patch. Despite feeling ill, everyone worked as a team to hoist sails and get safely to our destination. Also swapping cooking shifts with those who were unwell. It was a tough day, but the crew made it through together.
Day 3 - New adventures
The crew headed ashore on the dinghy to Cawsand Bay and enjoyed some chips and ice creams and tried out the kayaking that was available at the beach. Once everyone had had time to chill, they headed back to the boat. We sailed further along the coast to a place called Drake’s island, unfortunately there wasn’t enough facilities to anchor here and have a BBQ, so we headed back to Cawsand Bay where the team enjoyed a BBQ and a swim in the ocean!
Day 4 - Nothing in sight
With the wind blowing strongly, the forecast began to worsen with predicted wind speeds of up to 50mph (a gale force 9!). The crew had to sail somewhere safe to stay throughout the gale. They began the journey towards Dartmouth when fog surrounded the boat. The visibility was extremely low, the crew had to learn to listen for foghorns from surrounding boats. After an incredible team effort, the crew arrived safely into Dartmouth that evening.
Day 5 - Ashore!
As the crew were now storm bound in Dartmouth, they needed something to help keep everyone entertained. The crew went ashore for a shower to refresh and then headed for a walk around the town. They all enjoyed some delicious fish and chips and also fudge from a local shop. Peta, the skipper, decided that whilst we were stuck on the boat we could do a baking competition and watch some films. We split into the watches and each made a dessert, one team made a carrot cake, the other some chocolate chip cookies. By the time we were finished it was getting late, so we left the judging until the next day.
Day 6 - Happy cooking!
With another day anchored in Dartmouth, the crew came together on deck and played games. However, once someone had become wet in the game, it turned into a big water fight. Everyone was soaked, mainly the staff. Once everyone had dried off, The Great Prolific Bake Off began, with the watch leaders dressed as the infamous Mary Berry and Noel Fielding, everyone tucked into the delicious food. The carrot cake won best presentation, and the cookies best taste. Everyone was awarded star baker! That afternoon the crew went ashore to explore the town and buy some souvenirs. Once everyone was ready, we met up and went for a lovely meal out. Everyone had a brilliant time, chatting and eating delicious food.
Day 7 - Every cloud has a silver lining!
With one day left, the crew wanted to make the most of the adventure, so we stopped at a small beach called Anstey’s cove. The crew swam in the sea, explored the island, having lots of fun. Whilst people were swimming, others set up for a BBQ on the beach, enjoying hot dogs and burgers! Suddenly it began to rain. The crew worked together to cover the barbecue and keep the food cooking. Despite the rain, everyone had lots of fun at the beach and were soon back on the boat warm and dry. That evening, everyone settled down to watch The Lion King and shared lots of popcorn.
Day 8 - Bye for now!
Time to say goodbye. The crew packed up all their belongings and scrubbed the entire boat ready for the next group. We sailed back into Brixham, ready to leave the boat. Everybody had a great voyage and it was an emotional goodbye. Until next year!
“She does need a lot of support to take part in sailing but it is by far the most uplifting activity she takes part in all year. It is such a great opportunity and really brings out the best in her. The joy on her face and the confidence she gains each time is proof that this week is fantastic. The volunteers are amazing and the fun and enthusiasm they have with us is fabulous!" - MACS parent