Class 7 Sailing Camp: An Adventure to Remember

The Class 7 sailing camp was the perfect final challenge to cap off their first year of high school, providing an exciting and rewarding experience for all involved.

We set off on Sunday afternoon, with students feeling a mix of excitement and nerves about the camp and the opportunity to meet new friends. This year, we joined forces with another Class 7 cohort from Parkerville Steiner College in the Perth Hills, adding an extra layer of adventure to the camp.

We were lucky enough to stay right on the water's edge at the Rotary Youth Camp, overlooking the stunning Prince's Royal Harbor. Upon arrival, the students were both excited and a little shell shocked to discover that all 21 girls would be sharing one dorm! After settling in, we visited the ANZAC Memorial at Mt. Clarence, where we took in sweeping views of the harbor - our future sailing destination.

Sailing Begins

Day one at the Prince's Royal Sailing Club greeted us with sunshine and strong easterly winds, a persistent challenge over the next few days. This became apparent with students being blown sideways into the sandbank while trying to paddle and steer their boats around a course. The class aced their capsize training before we headed off to visit the blow holes and beach exploration. This was followed by our first evening lesson reflection, which left everyone ready for a good night's rest.

Resilience and Teamwork

The next three days tested the students' resilience and patience as they learned to work with - and sometimes against - the wind and each other. One unforgettable moment saw a crew pushed onto a sandbank, where they capsized four times, broke the centerboard, and had to walk their boat back. Despite the challenges, it was incredible to witness the students’ determination and progress as they mastered skills like skippering, tacking, gybing, and rigging the boats.

The two classes also bonded beautifully over the week, forming new friendships. A particularly memorable evening included a relaxing fish and chips dinner at Middleton Beach, where students played volleyball and enjoyed a spirited game of "king of the pack."

The Final Challenge

Day four brought the ultimate test: sailing across the harbor to the Albany Event Centre. Students were tasked with rigging their boats, launching, and leaving the mariner without instructor support. It was heartwarming to see the children collaborate, demonstrating how much they had learned and grown throughout the camp. Their final triumph? Successfully crossing the harbor three times before enjoying a well earned lunch.

Growth and Achievement

The sailing camp provided the perfect environment for Class 7 students to step into greater independence, responsibility, and leadership. The challenges of sailing fostered resilience, communication, teamwork, and perseverance, helping each student develop important life skills.

As the week concluded, the pride in the students' achievements was evident. They should be incredibly proud of their efforts and accomplishments - skills and memories that will stay with them for years to come.