Longlands School year 6 journey blog 2023

Sunday, 25 June 2023

After all the excitement we’ve had these last few days, some of the children just want to take in the view - and what a view it is!!

Cake over and done with, it’s disco time

Every birthday needs a cake!!

Happy 11th birthday, Alistair!!

First, we must learn some basic kayaking skills

Our first venture on to the water in a kayak is a relay race, adding one extra team member per leg:

And then we set off for a round-marina trip in twos:

Yesterday, half the group did keelboating while the other half did kayaking: today they will do the other activity.

Keel boating - first we need to get into the boat, and then we are taught about how it operates:

But very soon it's time to go sailing:

Today conditions in the Solent aren't ideal for beginner keelboaters, so the children are heading up the River Medina to sail there

Now the children are returning for lunch

If you were to walk about a mile up the old railway line from Cowes to Newport

You would find a pleasant sheltered inlet

And just round the corner from that you'd find the Longlands children dingy sailing

First, the children get into the boats by the slipway:

Then, in groups of 4 or 5 boats, they are towed out of the marina:

And then they head up the river to the wider part where they will sail:

Before going out in our dinghies, we need to learn all about them - how to steer, how to deploy the sails and use them properly.

This morning we are all going dingy sailing: on the slipway, the dingys are waiting patently for the children.

Good morning from Cowes, where the sun is shining and children are getting ready for the day ahead

This is the new Sea.change building where the children are staying.