Sailing Programme 2012 updated

Downloads Page updated

An information pack is sent to groups who are preparing to join us for short programmes. There are two versions, one for adult groups, the other for youth groups. They can be found on our Downloads page.

Included is important contact and safety information, facts about the organisation and the vessel, the programme and accreditation process and  information about kit.

Also in our Download section is information about the charity, our annual report, mission statement and much more.

Our new Mission Statement has just been released that briefly explains our vision and aims. It is available here to download.

Accompanying our statement are a few words about our ethos from sailor, writer, broadcaster and Sea-Change appeal patron Tom Cunliffe, which rather hit the nail on the head. Enjoy!

Sea-Change needs its own sailing barge, designed to meet the needs of the Project. The new vessel will comprise a steel hull and all the traditional rigging and decking of a sea-going Thames barge. She will have twelve berths and basic facilities below.

We have just updated our New Thames Sailing Barge Appeal document. It’s a fascinating historical read as well explaining our ethos and the reasons behind the appeal.

Download it here to read at your leisure

Report of the proceedings for the Gravesend Unit voyage aboard SB Reminder with the Sea-Change Sailing Trust July 31st-August 5th, funded by the Royal Thames Yacht Club.

Excerpt: “… given a full safety briefing by the Skipper and Mate and then spent the next couple of hours being instructed in the working of the barge rig. They were also informed to their considerable shock that we would be departing on the ebb tide at 03:00 hrs.” Read the full report here

Here is our provisional programme for 2012

If you would like to join us next season please register your group’s interest as soon as possible because we would not like to disappoint.

Additionally, some weekends are available for fully funded adult supporter groups.

Today we published our annual report, which describes our season, our barges, our crews and our plans for 2012.

Learn what group organisers have to say about Sea-Change and read about our home grown Youth Sailing Scheme.

Download it here to enjoy at your leisure.

We have already written about our time aboard Cambria last summer. Now we have found the time to write about a very successful month in greater depth.

In addition to our adventures aboard with members of our Youth Sailing Scheme, we describe setting sail for the first time after her rebuild and racing her to victory in the Thames Barge Match (external link to race site). There are also many photographs of life afloat and ashore.

It’s a great read –  Download the full report here.

Barge Trip Feedback,  St Joseph’s College Primary Department 2011, by Dr. Martin Hine

The barge trip was a wonderful experience for our Year 4 pupils. It provided them with great opportunities for collaborative teamwork and personal challenge e.g. climbing the rigging, helming the barge or sleeping away from home for the first time. The experience allowed them to develop their life skills – supporting each other through experiences both above and below deck e.g. hauling the ropes, setting the sails, mopping the deck, laying the breakfast table, preparing meals or making their beds.

With the entire day and night experiences, the children were learning more about each other during times of the day which they had not previously experienced together – learning to share, show tolerance, give and take, encourage, praise and support each other. Read the rest of this entry »

During June Sea-Change worked with Dr Hine and staff of St Joseph’s College at Ipswich to give as many students from the lower school as possible a residential experience. This meant a set of changeovers almost every day for five days but it worked.

The photos show that children as young as 9 can work very well aboard a barge with the right approach from all. It was a pleasure to work with the school to make this happen. Feedback from the school is available here.

During August while we were in the Orwell with a Youth Sailing Scheme group from Maldon, the young people swapped with a group of differently abled adults from the Woolverstone Project and had a day sailing open boats while the adults sailed on the Reminder.

Felicity Hoare, a governor of the Project, said it was impressive how much her group were able to do in such a short space of time. Longer residential work with this group is planned for 2012. An album of photos was taken while they were aboard and can be viewed here.

Malden Scouts came across from Surrey in August for the first time, alternating with Wimbledon Scouts who came in 2010. They were supported through active fundraising by local companies and with a grant from the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Youth Sail Training Trust.

They had an exciting time sailing from Maldon aboard sailing barge Reminder, down the River Blackwater and around the Essex coast.

We have a great set of photos taken during this trip, which is posted here. Were you aboard?  If so you can tag the pictures. What did you enjoy most about your voyage?