By Press Release
By Mal Butler
Top Island photographers, Sienna Anderson and Paul Blackley, were given first-hand experience of the Ocean Youth Trust (OYT) South’s work with a trip on the 32-metre ketch Prolific.
The couple, from Freshwater, spent a day sailing on the yacht after one of Sienna’s photos of the vessel, taken at sundown, made it into the national newspapers. Sienna explained: “After the photo was published, I was contacted by Caroline White, business manager of OYT South.
“Caroline purchased several images and also very kindly invited me for a day sailing on board Prolific.
“Our day started at 9.30am at Ocean Village in Southampton where Prolific is moored during the summer months. After a safety briefing over tea and coffee, our sail began.
“We left Southampton to head West towards Yarmouth where we had near perfect conditions and managed the journey via sail only.
“Everyone on board was encouraged to help if they wished and there was a fantastic sense of teamwork, and smiles all round.
“One of my highlights was sitting on the prow of the boat, which was an incredible moment to have the waves beneath you whilst looking back towards the beautiful ship in full sail.
Sienna sitting on the prow of the boat
“Ocean Youth Trust is a charity for disadvantaged children. Many children who sail on her are from inner cities and have never even seen the sea before. The trips give them a sense of confidence, self-worth and belief.
“Whilst chatting to Caroline on the sail she had so many wonderful stories to share with me regarding some of the children who have sailed on Prolific, these trips really do make a huge difference to their lives.”
Paul added: “We had a really lovely day on board learning all about Ocean Youth Trust South and what they do helping disadvantaged and vulnerable children and also had fun helping to sail the boat and met some amazing people.”
Caroline said: “Ocean Youth Trust South exists to offer personal development through adventure under sail to young people aged 11-25. The majority of young crew members come from vulnerable or disadvantaged backgrounds or face significant problems at home or at school, but there are also places for young people from mainstream backgrounds.
“Young crew members living in a wide variety of circumstances benefit enormously from being taken right out of their familiar environment and encouraged to face new challenges, enjoy new experiences, make friends, work as a team, acquire new skills, build resilience and mental wellbeing and, above all, develop their confidence.”
For more information, and to help Island children get involved, visit: oytsouth.org/ .
Pics: Sienna Anderson and Paul Blackley
