North East explorer and round-the-world yachtsman David Scott Cowper is to share stories of his adventures to raise funds for OYT North, a Tyneside based youth development charity.

Mr. Cowper, 70, a chartered surveyor from Newcastle, was the first man to sail solo around the world in both directions.

He has successfully circumnavigated the world seven times in total and is regarded by many in the yachting world as the greatest living single handed navigator.

In 1990, he became the first man to sail singlehanded around the world via the Northwest Passage, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans – a journey that took four years and two months.

He is raising funds for Ocean Youth Trust North, the North of England’s leading sail training and youth development charity.
 
He will deliver an illustrated talk at HMS Calliope, on South Shore Road, Gateshead at 7pm on Thursday April 18.

Entitled Arctic to Antartic aboard Polar Bound, he will recount the thrills and dangers of sailing from pole to pole in a motor boat.

He will relive his journey, dodging icebergs and sailing through thick fog, during a voyage from Whitehaven in Cumbria, to the Antarctic, via the Arctic. He arrived back in the North East in November last year.

OYT North is a Tyneside based sail training and youth development charity and provides personal development opportunities for young people aged 12-25 through Adventure under Sail expeditions aboard its yacht James Cook.

Steve Lennon, general manager of OYT North, said: “David Scott Cowper’s story is an inspirational example as to what can be achieved when you dedicate yourself to a goal and work tirelessly to make it happen.

We are extremely grateful that David is supporting our work teaching life skills to young people through adventure under sail and we’d urge anyone with a spirit of adventure to come and hear him speak.”

OYT North celebrated the 25th anniversary of the launch of its yacht James Cook last year.  

Over a quarter of a century, it has welcomed more than 10,000 young people aboard including groups with special educational needs, visual impairment, young offenders, schools, colleges, Scouts and Guides and young people enrolled on the National Citizen Service.

Ocean Youth Trust North and James Cook completed a circumnavigation of the world in 1997 crewed by young people, many of whom had never sailed before.

How to Buy Tickets

You can buy tickets from the following locations;
Royal Northumberland Yacht Club, Blyth (01670353636)
Royal Quays Marina office (0191 2963743)
Storrar Marine Ltd, Newcastle (0191 2661037)
HMS Calliope, South Shore Gateshead (0191 4772536)
Trident Marine, Gateshead (0191 4901736)

Tickets can also be purchased from the office.
Tickets are £10 and all proceeds are in aid of OYT North.

OYT North is celebrating after winning an international honour for its work developing young people by teaching them to sail.

Grace Metcalfe, 26, skipper of OYT North’s yacht James Cook, has been awarded “Young Sail Trainer of the Year 2012,” by Sail Training International (STI).

STI is the organiser of the Tall Ships Race and the world’s leading provider of events, research and services to the international sailing community.

In November she travelled to Riga, Latvia, as only the second British sailor to receive the prestigious award.

It is given to a professional sail trainer aged 26 and under, who has demonstrated excellence in delivering sail training for young people at sea.

Grace Metcalfe, said: “I have been so busy preparing James Cook for its winter refit that I didn’t give a thought to winning any awards. I’m truly blown away by this.

Sailing with OYT North lets me do what I love and I use that passion to inspire young people. It is wonderful to be recognised by my peers and promote the positive effect of sail training on young people’s lives.”

OYT North welcomes a diverse range of young people to sail on-board James Cook, including schools, colleges, Scouts and Guides, groups with special educational needs, visual impairment and young offenders.

Journey to Success
Grace’s story is an example of how sail training with OYT North can give purpose and direction to the lives of young people.

She first sailed with OYT North in the Easter of 2003 when the trust took a group from Kendal College in Cumbria to Holland. She found formal classroom education challenging and it was made more difficult because Grace is dyslexic. That sail training voyage changed her life and she fell in love with the sea.

Her journey has seen her progress from being a troubled teenager to leading more than 20 adventure-under-sail voyages a year in command of James Cook.

The annual Sail Training International Awards are voted for by Trustees of STI following nominations made by National Sail Training Organisations. They are presented at STI’s annual conference in November.

Steve Lennon, general manager of OYT North, nominated Grace and accompanied her to Latvia to collect the award.

“I first met Grace when she came on-board with Kendal College as a crew member. The experience of being at sea on-board James Cook had a profound effect on her.

Grace immediately volunteered to work with us and became a trainee volunteer watch leader. Through the OYT North leadership programme she went on to pass all her RYA (Royal Yachting Association) qualifications and her Skipper’s exam. At 24 she became the youngest person ever to skipper the boat.

Grace is a truly inspirational person and I am incredibly proud of all her achievements.”

You can see the recent Tyne Tees news report by clickin Here

A Berwick Clergyman has been recognised for raising money to send young people from across the North of England on adventurous sailing voyages.
 
Revd. Fr. Malcolm Lockey, Honorary Chaplain at the Mission to Seafarers, has been appointed to the board of trustees for OYT North, the North East’s only youth development and sail training charity.
 
Revd. Fr. Lockey, a former teacher and youth worker, has been supporting young people to take part in sail training since the mid 1970’s and believes today’s education system is not offering enough life-changing opportunities for young people today.
 
 “When I was teaching in the 1970’s local education authorities had the resources and the personnel to provide challenging opportunities to young people that they simply do not have today,” said Revd. Fr. Lockey.
 
“Nowadays, Teachers are faced with a lot of red tape and risk assessment work around adventurous activities and it is a great reassurance for them to be able to work with organisations like OYT North who are experts in this field.
 
OYT North can find funding and provide the experienced leaders who can engage young people and teach the valuable life skills you learn while sailing a big yacht on the open sea.”
 
Revd. Fr. Lockey raised almost £96,000 for Ocean Youth Trust UK between 2010 and 2011 when he served as National President of the 41 Club, an association of former members of the Round Table.
 
Steve Lennon, general manager of OYT North, said: “We are so pleased that Malcolm has agreed to join our board of Trustees. He has worked tirelessly to raise money for a whole range of charities, and especially ours, and he believes passionately in the merits of our work with young people.”
 
OYT North provides young people with the opportunity to sail on James Cook, their purpose built 70-foot 54 tonne ketch under the expert tuition of Skipper Grace Metcalfe, a former crew member.
 
While onboard young people learn how to navigate, set the sails, take the helm and take responsibility for all cooking and cleaning as well as developing their team work, leadership, communication and problem solving skills.
 
OYT North’s youth development programmes are aimed at young people aged 12 to 25 from groups such as schools and colleges, youth clubs, local authorities and groups working with the disabled or disadvantaged. They also offer adult voyages to organisations and individuals.

Felicity Cunliffe-Lister, Baroness Masham, has signed up to help more young people in the North of England stay on course for success by encouraging them to try adventurous sail training at sea.

Baroness Masham, proprietor of Swinton Park luxury hotel and sporting estate in Masham, has joined the board of trustees at OYT North, a youth development and sail training charity based in North Shields, Tyne and Wear.

A lifelong sailing enthusiast and qualified sailing instructor, the Baroness comes from a family of five Master Mariners and wants young people to experience the same opportunities she enjoyed through sailing.

“Learning to sail has given me the chance to see the world, make friends, learn how to work as part of a team and become self-reliant and determined,” said Baroness Masham.

“By becoming a trustee of OYT North I can give something back to young people in our region. Sail training is one of the best ways to help a person grow in confidence and equip them with useful skills and resources they can rely on throughout their lives.”

OYT North provides young people with the opportunity to sail on James Cook, its purpose built 70-foot 54 tonne ketch under the expert tuition of Skipper Grace Metcalfe, a former crew member.

While onboard young people learn how to navigate, set the sails, take the helm and take responsibility for all cooking and cleaning as well as developing their team work, leadership, communication and problem solving skills.

Steve Lennon, General Manager of OYTN, said: “We are so pleased that Baroness Masham has agreed to join our board of Trustees. She works tirelessly to raise money for a whole range of charities, especially ours, and believes passionately in the merits of our work with young people.”

Although her day job involves running a luxury castle hotel, wedding venue and 20,000 acre sporting estate, the Baroness still keeps a 21 foot keelboat in Devon and is currently teaching her young children to sail in the school holidays.

She has taught sailing in Australia and the Mediterranean, worked on private yachts and captained her University sailing team.

Earlier this year, Baroness Masham hosted a successful Jubilee Fundraising Dinner at Swinton Park with OYT North as a beneficiary.

OYT North is based at the Royal Quays Marina in North Shields where James Cook is berthed. OYT North’s youth development programmes are aimed at young people aged 12 to 25 from groups such as schools and colleges, youth clubs, local authorities and groups working with the disabled or disadvantaged. They also offer adult voyages to organisations and individuals.

Judge Peter Fox QC, Honorary Recorder of Middlesbrough, walked the 100 miles from the source of the River Tees to the North Sea to mark his retirement and raise funds for Ocean Youth Trust North. Click here to view the photo gallery.

Judge Fox, holder of the highest legal office in Teesside, retired in July following 24 years as a Judge at Teesside Crown Court and 45-years in legal practice.

The former Royal Navy Officer and lifelong sailing enthusiast completed the 100 mile route over six days, starting from Great Dun Fell - 2672 feet above sea level - on the Pennine Way on Saturday and finishing at the newly refurbished South Jetty at the entrance to Middlehaven Dock in Middlesbrough.

All funds raised will go to Ocean Youth Trust North (OYT North), a youth development and sail training charity for the North of England who provide adventure under sail voyages on James Cook, a 70-foot 54-tonne yacht named after Middlesbrough’s Captain James Cook – one of England’s greatest ever sailors.

“Joining the Royal Navy as a teenager introduced me to the adventure of sail training at sea. It remains the greatest opportunity of my life.

As I prepare to retire, I am lacing up my boots because I would like young people from the North East to have the same opportunities and experiences I did by sailing in James Cook with OYT North.

Sail training is a challenging experience where you form lasting friendships, meet challenges and develop a sense of respect for yourself and others. It has the power to transform a person and give young people the belief they need to get on in life,” said Judge Fox.

The Judge was joined by High Sheriffs of North Yorkshire and County Durham, past and present, and staff of OYT North for the duration of the walk along the length of the River Tees. Read Steve Lennon's account of this epic trek.

The sponsored trek began on Saturday June 23 and took in iconic beauty spots and landmarks, including Cow Green Reservoir and High Force waterfall in Teesdale and Middlesbrough’s Transporter Bridge and South Gare Lighthouse, before finishing on Thursday June 28 at Middlehaven Dock.

Steve Lennon, managing director of OYTNorth, said: “Judge Fox has been a passionate supporter of our work for years. We can’t thank him enough for taking on this gruelling challenge. Every penny raised helps us teach young people valuable life skills through sailing.

OYT North has built strong links with schools, colleges, local authorities and youth work agencies on Teesside. As a result we now have a permanent berth at the South Jetty, supported by the Homes and Communities Agency and Middlesbrough Council, and we look forward to leading many voyages from our new home on Teesside.”

On Sunday June 24, friends, family and colleagues of Judge Fox have joined the walk for a 12-mile stretch from High Teesdale, through Middleton in Teesdale to the village of Romaldkirk.

The last leg of the trek saw Judge Fox and friends take to the water in the Tees Princess at Stockton from where they sailed down to the Tees Barrage. They then transferred to the Harbour Master’s launch and two vessels from Teesside Nautical Studies to take them past South Gare Lighthouse and dock at South Jetty behind the Riverside Stadium.

The public can support Judge Fox’s walk from source to sea by pledging donations at www.justgiving.com/Ocean-Youth-Trust-North-Judge-Fox.

The UK’s leading youth development charity, the Prince’s Trust has appointed sail training charity Ocean Youth Trust North (OYT North) as its first ‘sailing’ delivery partner for its ‘Get Started’ programme in the North.

The ‘Get Started’ programme, which is open to UK residents, aged 16-25 and who are unemployed aims to help participants develop new skills, build confidence, increase motivation and gives them the chance to gain a qualification whilst making new friends.

The partnership between OYT North and the Prince’s Trust will see two groups of 12 young people undertake a five day voyage along the North East coast this summer aboard James Cook, the charity’s specially designed yacht.

On board under the guidance of Skipper Grace Metcalfe, participants will become part of the working crew and will learn how to navigate, set the sails and take the helm while taking responsibility for all the cooking and cleaning. During their voyage they will develop personal  skills, such as teamwork, leadership, communication and problem-solving.

Commenting on their appointment as a delivery partner, Steve Lennon, General Manager of the OYT North said, “We’re absolutely thrilled to work in partnership with the Prince’s Trust as their first ‘sailing’ provider in the North for ‘Get Started’.

“Young people from schools, colleges, youth groups, local authorities and a whole host of charitable organisations across the North have been benefiting from our sailing development programmes for many years and we’re elated that we’ll soon be welcoming young people from the Prince’s Trust on board, teaching them new skills and giving them the confidence to secure their future employment.”

The planned voyages for summer 2012 will focus on targeting unemployed young people between the ages of 16 and 19 years, with the first voyage consisting of a crew from Hartlepool and Middlesbrough, and the second from Newcastle.

Judith Stothard, Head of Programmes, Prince’s Trust said, “We are delighted to welcome Ocean Youth Trust North as a delivery partner of the Prince’s Trust and look forward to working together to develop some exciting opportunities for young people.”

Ocean Youth Trust North specialises in the personal and social development of young people through the unique medium of Adventure under Sail. It offers safe but exhilarating residential experiences to young people, helping them to discover more about themselves and the world whilst learning new skills.

If you would like to book a sailing trip or request further information please contact us or phone Rachel in the office on 0191 257 1212.

For further information regarding the Prince’s Trust ‘Get Started’ programme call 0191 497 3229 or visit http://www.princes-trust.org.uk

Members of Kelso 41 Club have raised more than £1,000 in support of the OYT North during the past year.

The cause was chosen by national president Malcolm Lockey – a Kelso 41 Club member – as his nominated charity during his year of office. The cash, in the form of a cheque, was handed over to Steve Lennon from the OYT. The trust provides outward-bound sailing opportunities for young people, including those who have a physical handicap.

Mr Lockey said: “I chose OYT as my preferred charity because I knew that it changes young lives for the better and does outstanding work with youngsters from the whole of the UK and Ireland. I’m grateful for the support that my own club has given to the charity.”

For more information on Kelso 41 Club and its activities, email macbrac@hotmail.com.

A group of young carers from Harrogate have been given the opportunity for a well deserved break from the responsibilities of caring for vulnerable family members, thanks to charities The Carers’ Resource OYT North.

The group of 11 boys, aged between 12 and 17 all provide essential care for family members with a variety of needs and thanks to funding from the Charles and Elsie Sykes Trust they set sail aboard James Cook, OYT North’s specially designed yacht and enjoyed a weekend voyage along the north-east coast.

Under the expert tuition of OYT North’s Skipper Grace Metcalfe the boys became part of the working crew onboard and learnt how to navigate, set the sails and take the helm whilst taking responsibility for all the cooking and cleaning as well as developing their personal skills, such as team work, leadership, communication and problem solving.

Commenting on the voyage Fiona Demain, Young Carer Activities Co-ordinator at The Carers’ Resource said, “Due to their caring role at home these boys have little chance to enjoy the more carefree aspects of growing up and we’re always looking at new and exciting ways to give them a break and help their personal development.

“When one of our young carers told us about a brilliant sailing voyage he had undertaken with the Tall Ships we investigated further, and discovered the amazing opportunities that a sailing trip with OYT North could offer.”

“It was a brilliant experience for all the boys and they embraced every challenge that this unique opportunity threw at them. Being able to see them in this environment and deal with the alien feeling of being in a confined space, carrying out a challenging role on the open sea was fantastic and we’ll certainly be looking to make a return trip.”

Steve Lennon, General Manager at OYT North said, “It’s estimated that there are over 700,000 young carers in the UK and charities like Carers’ Resource provide these deserving young people with essential respite breaks.

“We’re dedicated to providing young people with limited opportunities the chance to learn new skills, build confidence and broaden their horizons. The boys certainly enjoyed the experience and whilst it was hard work, they left exhilarated and full of stories that we hope they will share with their family and friends.

“As well as the sailing they were also wowed by the rare opportunity to stargaze away from the urban orange glow whilst we were anchored in Runswick Bay near Whitby, and were fortunate enough to see the International Space Station go over which was a real thrill for them.”

The Carers’ Resource is an independent charity covering the Yorkshire districts of Harrogate, Craven Bradford and Airedale and provide young carers with vital mentoring support, trips and activities and weekly youth clubs. For further information about The Carers’ Resource visit www.carersresource.org.uk.

OYT North has benefitted from a donation that will help fund future voyages for the region’s young people.

The donation was made by Barbara Bennett of North Shields in memory of her husband Dave, who spent his life tirelessly working in the community to improve the lives of young people and helping them fulfil their potential.

Dave started sailing whilst at school and then later as an adult when he became leader with 1st Dickleburgh Sea Scouts in Norfolk. When he and his family moved to the North East twenty years ago, Dave became a scout leader again, eventually becoming County Commissioner for Northumberland in 2001.

Dave’s personal interest in sailing was rekindled in recent years when he took part in voyages with OYT North and the Tall Ships Race as part of the scouting contingent. They really opened his eyes to the value and possibilities of giving young people the opportunity to learn to sail and develop their interpersonal skills.  

Commenting on the donation, Barbara Bennett said, “Dave passionately believed in the aims of scouting to promote the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potential and believed this could be achieved by a whole range of activities such as sailing.

“We felt the aims of the Ocean Youth Trust North to help young people, irrespective of their backgrounds and abilities to discover their true potential closely matched Dave’s ideals in life. He loved the physical and mental challenges of sailing, the teamwork involved and the sense of adventure and achievement it gave him.”

Dave worked tirelessly not only with Scouts but also the local church, schools and charities, to improve the lives of young people and his passion for the water lives on through his son Simon, and grandson Luca who are both members of the 19th Tynemouth Sea Scouts.  

Commenting on the donation, Steve Lennon, General Manager of OYT North said, “Dave made a real impact on the lives of young people not only in the North East but in Norfolk too and everyone at OYT North has been touched by his family’s donation. Dave truly embraced the values that our charity promotes, that ability is no barrier, and we will use the funds to continue our work in challenging and inspiring young people from across the region.

OYT North is celebrating after becoming an official stakeholder training partner for Safe in Tees Valley as part of National Citizen Service

National Citizen Service (NCS) is a flagship initiative supporting the Government’s vision for building the Big Society and this summer Safe in Tees Valley will be offering over a thousand 16 year olds from all backgrounds the opportunity to work together, take on new challenges and make a difference in their community.

The link up with the OYT North will see a number of young people experience living in the close confines of a yacht as part of NCS while participating in all aspects of sailing under the expert tuition of the OYT North’s Skipper Grace Metcalfe. Participants will become part of the working crew onboard and will be shown how to hoist and set the sails, take the helm, help with the cooking and cleaning onboard as well as develop important skills, such as teamwork, leadership, communication and problem-solving.

Commenting Steve Lennon, General Manager of OYT North said, “We’re delighted to be part of this initiative and pleased that Safe in Tees Valley can see the benefits that sail training can bring to young people.

“The voyages will not only help participants to develop essential skills that will benefit them for the rest of their lives, but will underline the fact that ability is no barrier when you’re working as a team. We look forward to welcoming them onboard and we’re sure the experience will have a great impact on the overall positive effect of the National Citizen Service scheme “

Christine Davidson, Youth Manager from Cleveland Police and seconded to Safe in Tees Valley said: “Our past experience has shown that adventure sailing really does deliver everything that National Citizen Service is looking to achieve.

“NCS has attracted young people from all backgrounds and getting on a yacht for the first time, trying new things and proving to yourself and others what you can do gives a real boost in confidence and helps build vital, transferable skills that can be used throughout life. We’re pleased that OYT North has joined us and we look forward to some exciting times onboard.”

NCS is being delivered across England and is now in its second year, Safe In Tees Valley also delivered in 2011 in Cleveland. NCS is available to 16 year olds (Year 11 school leavers) across Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland and Stockton on Tees and is offered on a no cost basis. NCS runs for three weeks during the summer holidays including two weeks away from home residentials followed by 30 hrs part time volunteering.

For further information about National Citizen Service / Safe in Tees Valley please visit http://www.safeinteesvalley.org , telephone 0845 271 3883 or e-mail info@safeinteesvalley.org

OYT North is riding the crest of a wave after a Newcastle business has come on board with financial support.
 
Staff at Ocean Youth Trust North (OYT North) were delighted when they received a £2,000 donation from marine insurers North P&I Club.

OYT North is a sail training charity which works with young people from the region, often from disadvantaged backgrounds, to help them develop important life skills and take control of their own futures. The organisation relies on funding and donations in order to continue improving the prospects of thousands of young people every year, so this donation is extremely welcome.

Steve Lennon, General Manager of OYT North, said: “In the era of the Big Society, it is easy for people to talk about pulling together for their communities, but they often find it harder to actually reach into their own pockets for others.

“North P&I Club have pledged to support organisations which work in both local and maritime communities and have stood by this promise - it is fantastic that we have been selected to benefit from their public spirit.

“This money will go towards funding programmes for those young people who otherwise would not be able to take part in our unique personal development training, so on behalf of those individuals and the rest of the OYT North staff I would like to thank North P&I Club and everyone who donated to the cause.”

Last year North P&I Club set up the charitable North 150 Year fund in celebration of their 150th anniversary, and encouraged clients wanting to send a gift to instead donate money to this fund. OYT North was one of 13 charities short listed from staff nominations of organisations to receive some of these monies.

Mike Asherson, Associate Director from North P&I Club, said: “We are intensely proud of our nautical roots in the North East and feel a duty to support other local organisations which enhance the areas we work in.

“The work OYT North does to engage young people from the region in positive and fulfilling ways is exceptional, and also ties into our own industry which of course is extremely important to us. Therefore they were a natural choice for the donation and we were delighted to be able to contribute in small part to their ongoing work.”

OYT North specialises in the personal and social development of young people through the unique medium of Adventure under Sail. It offers safe but exhilarating residential experiences to young people, helping them to discover more about themselves and the world whilst learning new skills.

Nursery pupils at Sunderland High School have been busy fund raising in aid of OYT North. At the Christmas Nursery and Reception Nativity performances a raffle was held with all proceeds going to support voyages the work of OYT North.

Parents and staff very generously snapped up all of the tickets and expressed a keen interest in the work of OYT North.
 
Rhiannon Keating, Nursery Manager at Sunderland High School said "I'm often at the marina in North Shields and both my husband and I have been so impressed with Grace and her crew aboard James Cook. The work they do with young people is absolutely fantastic. They are all so dedicated and professional and are a credit to the OYT North. Grace is a superb skipper and I have always been so impressed by her commitment and enthusiasm."

If you would like to support the work of OYT North or are interested in sailing with us contact us or telephone Rachel on 0191 2571212.

Foundation degree students at internationally renowned marine training college, South Tyneside College are putting their classroom theory into practice thanks to a unique partnership it has formed with sail training charity, Ocean Youth Trust North (OYT North).

The students, who are studying a three year foundation degree in Marine Operations have this term been on two weekend adventure sailing trips along the east coast to not only test their theory based learning, but to bond and improve their team working skills in an environment away from the classroom.

Commenting on the partnership, Kate Gillespie, Foundation Degree Marine Operations Programme Leader said, “Due to recent changes in the course structure we found that our students weren’t getting their first opportunity to put their training into practice until at least 6-9 months into the course, which we felt was too long.”

“Thankfully the answer to our problem was on our doorstep. We contacted OYT North’s General Manager Steve Lennon to discuss the opportunity of using the James Cook and immediately we saw the benefits of working together and letting the students get onboard and put their training into practice.”

Whilst onboard the students were under the guidance of Skipper Grace Metcalfe, and tested their skills in watch keeping, ships lights and shapes, ship recognition and chart work, as well as working as part of a team to navigate the James Cook along the coast.

Student Sam Evans (24) said, “This trip with the OYT North really helped bring the class together as a unit. We could see each others strengths and weaknesses and helped each other out when we were cold, tired and feeling a little sea sick.”

Student Jack Robson (22) said, “It was a great experience and it showed me that I can do things if I want too, that I didn’t think I could – it was brilliant.”

Commenting Steve Lennon, General Manager of the Ocean Youth Trust North said, “We’re delighted that we’re able to work closely with South Tyneside College and provide their students with such a valuable resource.

“The trips have been very successful and the feedback from the students shows that sailing with us not only helps young people develop essential team work skills but gives them the confidence to come out of their comfort zone and try new things. We look forward to welcoming them back in the Spring.”

For further information about Ocean Youth Trust North please visit www.sailjamescook.com  If you would like to book a sailing trip or request further information please email office@sailjamescook.com or phone Rachel in the office on 0191 257 1212.

For further information about the wide range of marine courses at South Tyneside College please contact 0191 427 3592 or visit www.stc.ac.uk

As a teenager, Sara Jane Chorkley had a passion for adventure and as part of that spent many hours sailing with friends, but as education, work and starting a family inevitably took the lion share of her time, her sailing days became a distant memory, until a chance meeting with Ocean Youth Trust North (OYT North) at last year’s Tall Ships Race in Hartlepool.

During the visit with her family, Sara Jane, a solicitor at Farley’s in Accrington met the team from OYT North after they had just raced across the North Sea from Norway with a crew of 14 young people from all walks of life.

Commenting, Sara Jane said, “Visiting the Tall Ships really sparked the good memories of my sailing past and after chatting with members of the OYT North team it was clear that they offered young people a fantastic opportunity to develop their personal skills, whatever their background.

“I thought my son would love it, so we signed up to receive information with a view to booking him on a future trip. Then earlier this year I received an e-mail from the team to say that they were hosting an adult voyage and thought it would be a great opportunity to have a bit of an adventure and some fun with my friends Samantha Cunliffe and Pauline Riley, so went ahead and  booked it.”

Sara Jane and her two friends took part in an overnight sail from North Shields on Tyneside down the east coast to Hartlepool.

Sara Jane continued, “It was a great experience and we all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Grace, the skipper was phenomenal and guided us brilliantly, and sailing though the night was a new experience for all of us.  I enjoyed it so much I’ve recommended it to my son’s school so hopefully some of the pupils can benefit from this great education and development programme.”

Steve Lennon, General Manager of OYT North said, “Whilst we’re based in the North East we welcome crew from across the whole of the North and we’re delighted that Sara Jane and her friends enjoyed their voyage, and hope they recommend the experience to all their family, friends and colleagues.”

OYT North specialises in the personal and social development of young people through the unique medium of Adventure under Sail. It offers safe but exhilarating residential experiences to young people, helping them to discover more about themselves and the world whilst learning new skills.

If you are interested in learning more about Ocean Youth Trust North please visit www.sailjamescook.com. If you would like to book a sailing trip or request further information please email office@sailjamescook.com or phone Rachel in the office on 0191 257 1212.

A team of three students from Hull College have helped visually impaired Jack Garner (16) from Scunthorpe take part in a taster session with the sailing training charity, Ocean Youth Trust North (OYT North).

The opportunity was organised by Neil Davison, a tutor at Hull College and a volunteer with the Hull Actionaries who run a broad range of activities for blind and visually impaired children, and Steve Lennon, General Manager of OYT North.

Commenting Neil said, “Having participated in sailing training for many years I know the many benefits it provides young people in terms of developing leadership skills and confidence. Steve and I decided to combine students from both of the organisations with a view to them learning new skills and putting the theory they’ve learnt in the classroom into practice.”

Students Tom Storr, Emma Stamp and Richard Drewery who last year studied Public Services at the College and are now studying a Foundation degree in Crime and Community Safety joined Jack, at North Shields in Tyneside to climb aboard the James Cook, the specially designed 21 metre, 54 tonne steel-hulled yacht.

Steve Lennon, General Manager of OYT North commented, “Bringing the students together with Jack and them assisting him around the boat perfectly captures the essence of what adventure sailing is all about. Ability is no barrier when you’re working as a team and whilst we had to stay in port due to bad weather, Jack was able to complete many of the tasks that we would perform on the open sea in preparation for a return visit and sail in May next year.”

The young people were guided onboard by Skipper Grace Metcalfe and were taught how to take responsibility for the running of the boat, sharing tasks and working as a team to achieve the best outcomes for the entire group.

The students used the experience to work towards their Royal Yachting Association Competent Crew Certificate, a beginners course designed for those interested in becoming active crew members and covers elements such as knowledge of sea terms and parts of a boat, rigging and sails, sail handling, rope work, fire precautions and fighting, personal safety equipment, man overboard, emergency equipment, meteorology, seasickness, and helmsmanship.
Steve concluded, “OYT North recently received a donation of £2,000 from marine insurers North P&I Club and we will be using this money to help fund three voyages in 2012 for visually impaired children and hope that three of them will then go on to be chosen to sail on the London to Portland Small Ships Race in June.”

For further information about Ocean Youth Trust North please visit www.sailjamescook.com. If you would like to book a sailing trip or request further information please email office@sailjamescook.com or phone Rachel in the office on 0191 257 1212.

To find out more about the work of Hull Actionaires, visit www.actionforblindpeople.org.uk  or for details about the range of courses at Hull College visit www.hull-college.ac.uk

We're always asked what the OYT North experience delivers and how to sail with us. So we have created a fantastic new online, animated and searchable brochure designed specifically for groups and individuals who would like to sail with us.

Please click here to read it.

A group of young people have been given the opportunity for a well-deserved break from the responsibilities of caring for vulnerable family members, thanks to the work of two northern charities.

A group of six girls, aged 12 to 17 from Hartlepool, who are supported by charity Hartlepool Young Carers (HYC) were able to relax and enjoy a rare adventure with their peers thanks to the valuable work of sail training charity Ocean Youth Trust North (OYT North).

The girls all provide essential care for family members with a variety of needs and as a result have little chance to enjoy the more carefree aspects of growing up. HYC helps to arrange respite activities for these hardworking young people whilst providing intermediary care for their loved ones.

Following a previous highly successful voyage with OYT North last year, HYC was keen to take part in another voyage. Staff at OYT North were able to help the organisation secure the funding needed in order to make sure the voyage could go ahead.

Steve Plant, Family Support Worker at HYC became an OYT North volunteer after he was blown away by his first voyage with the charity last year. He said: “We offer a number of respite activities to our young carers, however sail training is extremely popular with groups because of the opportunities it affords to see new places, try something completely new and to spend time getting to know and share fun experiences with their peers.

“From our point of view we feel it’s really beneficial for the youngsters’ development, as often young carers are forced to grow up very quickly and miss out on developing skills such as team work and leadership.

“Their confidence is really boosted after even just a couple of days on board, which is just brilliant to see – in fact this voyage has inspired one of the girls so much that she has now taken up sailing regularly and has joined up to the sea cadets which is absolutely fantastic.”

Steve Lennon, General Manager at OYT North, said: “As an organisation we’re dedicated to providing young people with limited opportunities the chance to learn new skills and broaden their horizons.

“No one is more deserving of this opportunity than these young carers whose hard work and dedication to their family saves the government over £83million every year in support services.

“It was wonderful to see the girls enjoying themselves like other young people their age and getting the opportunity to mix with those who understood and shared their situation.”

Hartlepool Young Carers works with young people aged seven to nineteen who provide caring support for a family member. It provides support with education and attainment, counselling and employment services and helps to reduce social isolation and increase self esteem through respite activities. For more information visit www.hartlepoolcarers.org.uk.

OYT North specialises in the personal and social development of young people through the unique medium of Adventure under Sail. It offers safe but exhilarating residential experiences to young people, helping them to discover more about the world and themselves while learning new skills.

A group of young people from Hexham from many different backgrounds, some who lack confidence and are finding the transition to adult life difficult, has been given a chance to learn the skills needed to turn their lives around, thanks to the support of a regional sailing charity.

The group of 11 young people from the Hexham Youth Initiative, aged 13 plus, joined the crew of Ocean Youth Trust North (OYT North) for an intensive two-day programme sailing along the North East coast despite having never been sailing before.

Like many young people, some of the participants face personal issues, ranging from disability, unemployment and homelessness, and is struggling to find the confidence to become more independent.

OYT North is the only sail training organisation based in the North of England dedicated to the development of young people and it aims to challenge individuals to achieve their true potential and helps participants to develop confidence in themselves and their own skills.

Whilst on board the youngsters were taught how to take responsibility for the running of the boat, sharing tasks and working as a team to achieve the best outcomes for the entire group. Whilst on board OYT North’s big yellow boat James Cook, everyone was given equal responsibility and taught that perceived inabilities are no barrier to success.

OYT North worked with the Hexham Youth Initiative to help them raise the money needed for the voyage and guided the group through thorough training before leaving in order that they were fully prepared for the challenge ahead.

Lisa Pyle, Youth Worker, from Hexham Youth Initiative said: “We have been looking to do a productive outdoor adventure activity with the young people for a while, as these types of activities often have the best outcomes in terms of boosting confidence and raising aspirations.

“OYT North’s programme offered the youngsters the opportunity to step outside of their comfort zone, experience something new and have a real adventure while developing a lot of important skills.

“It was a fantastic experience for everyone and all of the participants got so much out of it - even though they were only away for two days they learnt so much and are so much closer now as a group.”

Steve Lennon, General Manager of OYT North, said: “Many young people who have joined us from Hexham have commented that they hadn’t considered sail training because they aren’t presented with the opportunity very often.”

“However as a charity we work with young people from across the entire North of England to remind them that it doesn’t matter how far inland you live, sail training is a fantastic experience which is open to everyone.

“This group had a wonderful time and have really progressed in their short time with us. I hope that they will inspire many more young people in the area to think about the sail development possibilities that are available to them.”

The Hexham Youth Initiative aims to provide a safe environment where children and young people can have access to information, support and advice and increase their confidence and self esteem through being part of the community and developing their own ideas and projects.

OYT North specialises in the personal and social development of young people through the unique medium of Adventure under Sail. It offers safe but exhilarating residential experiences to young people, helping them to discover more about the world and themselves while learning new skills.

Three intrepid cyclists have upped a gear on their fundraising efforts, smashing through their target total for an intensive charity bike ride.

Grace Metcalfe, Craig Leslie and Georgie Hind all pushed hard both in and out of the saddle to get a good result in the Northern Rock Cyclone, training almost every day and encouraging people to dig deep.

After the donations were counted, it was revealed that the team left their original £800 target at the starter’s line after raising the grand total of £1,375, all for a good cause.

That cause was Ocean Youth Trust North (OYT North), the only charity in the North of England which helps young people to develop their skills and abilities through ocean training.

This year alone OYT North has helped many hundreds of young people from the region to improve their self confidence and raise their belief in what they can achieve. The charity works with young people from a range of backgrounds, supporting individuals and groups to access the funding needed to ensure they can take part.

Grace, skipper of the OYT North sailing vessel James Cook, said: “OYT North is such an important organisation for so many young people in the North of England – I’ve seen young people step off the boat a completely different person from when they arrived, more self-assured and with a positive outlook.

“With the decline in public and private donations we need to push even harder to continue our work reaching out to young people who need the kind of support and challenge that we offer. That’s why we’re delighted that people have recognised how important the work we do is and have helped us to blow away our previous target.”

Steve Lennon, General Manager of OYT North, added: “Grace, Craig and Georgie have worked so hard, training and fundraising, to make it through this challenge and they’ve really done us proud. It’s a fantastic achievement and we’re all very proud of them.

“Thanks to everyone that donated and helped us to raise this spectacular amount.”

The money raised will go towards funding young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to take part in youth development programmes on board James Cook.

OYT North specialises in the personal and social development of young people through the unique medium of Adventure under Sail. It offers safe but exhilarating residential experiences to young people, helping them to discover more about the world and themselves while learning new skills

Two intrepid North East men are set to motor their way across the width of the country in aid of charity – at the breakneck speed of 15mph.
Robert Kearton (photographed on the right) and best friend Robert Morrell (photographed on the left), both 21 from Barnard Castle, are taking the high road when it comes to charity fundraising and will be driving two vintage Massey Ferguson tractors coast-to-coast in order to raise money for OYT North. (www.justgiving.com/oceanyouthtrust)

The 180-mile journey from Whitehaven to Whitby will start on 22nd April and take three days, with up to eight hours each day spent driving.

Robert Kearton says that he hopes the epic journey will generate interest in OYT North, which is the only organisation in the entire North East that helps young people to develop important life skills through sail training.

He said: “I was lucky enough to have been able to sail with OYT North during the Tall Ships Race 2010 and it was an amazing opportunity. I really learnt a lot about team work and responsibility while on board and I had so much fun becoming part of the crew, meeting new people from all across the world and seeing fantastic new places.

“Since then I have continued to volunteer with OYT North and I think the work they do with young people is really important. I decided it was time to give something back – that’s when I had the idea for this challenge.

“People travel coast-to-coast on bikes, so I thought, ‘Why not on tractors?’ I’ve been collecting vintage tractors for nine years now, so I thought this would be a great chance to get them out on the road for a really good cause.

“Robert decided to come along to help me raise money because he’s heard me talking about how good OYT North is. We’re hoping that we can raise around £1,000 by the time we get to Whitby, which will help other young people from the region to take advantage of the sail training programmes available.

“We’re setting up a site for people to sponsor us, but in the meantime if people want to show their support by making a donation they can call the OYT North office.”

Steve Lennon, General Manager of OYT North, said: “As a charity we rely on the good will and generosity of others to be able to continue our work with the young people of the North East. However we have been completely blown away by the efforts of these two young men to support us and cannot thank them enough.

“I’ve sailed through high seas and freezing temperatures, but I don’t think even I would fancy spending three days straight in a drafty tractor. I really commend them for their intrepid mission and the James Cook will be ready and waiting to welcome them when they arrive in Whitby on the 24th April.”

Alan Thorn (photographed in the centre), Parts Manager at the Barnard Castle branch of Carrs Billington Agriculture, has donated thick Massey Ferguson boilersuits for the pair to keep them warm on the journey. Company AGCO, who produce Massey Ferguson vehicles, are also donating jackets for the pair to lend their backing.

Alan Thorn said: “The boys have been customers for years and are really good lads who get on well with everyone. When we heard about their idea all the staff wanted to show their support for them.

“We all know how cold a North East spring can get, so we’ve decided to donate some really thick boilersuits to the lads to make sure they keep nice and warm on their journey. We wish them all the best and hopefully they’ll raise loads of cash for a great cause.”

The two men will leaving from Whitehaven at 9am Friday 22nd April and will arrive in Whitby Sunday 24th.

UPDATE:  OYT North would like to offer Robert Kearton and Robert Morrell a very big THANK YOU for their fundraising efforts in aid of OYT North. The pair raised an amazing £2009 when completing their recent Coast to Coast tractor drive. OYT North would also like to thank everyone who supported them throught their trip.

OYT North has been given a royal blessing, as it has been unveiled as one of only 26 charities worldwide to benefit from a charitable fund established by Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton to celebrate their wedding.

Having been touched by the goodwill shown to them since the announcement of their engagement, Prince William and Miss Middleton have asked that anyone who might wish to give them a wedding gift consider giving instead to a charitable fund.

Ocean Youth Trust North, which provides personal development opportunities to young people throughout the north of England, has been selected as one of the charities listed on the newly-launched fund website.
www.royalweddingcharityfund.org

Each charity listed on the site was handpicked by the royal couple on the basis that they held a particular personal resonance to the pair and each is known to undertake excellent work within their communities.

Steve Lennon, General Manager of OYT North, said he was delighted with the news.

He said: “Receiving a call from the palace saying that we had been selected as part of this initiative by Prince William and Miss Middleton was staggering.

“We are incredibly fortunate to be one of the few charities chosen and the support of the royal couple is a huge boost for us at a time when the charitable sector is facing real hardships.

“It is an extremely generous gesture from the royal couple and we are very moved and grateful to have been recognised for the excellent work we have done helping to build better futures for young people in the region.”

The distinctive yellow yacht has become a familiar North Tyneside sight. Proudly cutting through the water, this boat has had a life-changing effect on hundreds of youngsters across the region.

The James Cook is owned by the Ocean Youth Trust,  a charity that helps young, disadvantaged and disabled people build their confidence and give them a sense of belonging while exploring the seas, new places and even new countries. The charity regularly sets sail from its mooring in North Shields marina to countries such as Iceland, Denmark and Russia, on voyages that can last up to three weeks at a time. And for the youngsters who clamber aboard and find their sea legs, it can be a life-changing experience.

Just ask Sophie Halpin, 16, who took part in a three-week adventure to Norway last year. The Gateshead teenager admits it was one of the best experiences of her life to date.

 “It has completely changed my life,” explains the former pupil of St Joseph’s Comprehensive School in Hebburn, who first heard about the charity through her father, Michael. Dad got an email about the trip through work, I just thought it was this massive posh thing but it was completely unreal.

“My favourite part of the trip was when we entered Kristiansand port in Norway, it was just beautiful. I also loved looking up at the stars in the darkness of night, it was different to looking out of the window, they looked almost fake.”

On board Sophie, who is currently doing an apprenticeship as a lab technician, enjoyed food such as spaghetti, baked potatoes and roast ham.
“There wasn’t one bad meal,” she says. Alcohol is forbidden on the boat, but Sophie believes this just made the whole experience better.
“It doesn’t make a difference, you don’t always need to drink to have fun, it is better without. Forging new friendships with people she met on the voyage made the trip even better for the teenager, although she admits it was hard adjusting to life back on dry land. I made such close friends with some of the people I met on the boat, so coming home was quite sad in many ways. I was a bit lost without my boat family. I remember coming home and my mum was watching EastEnders and I didn’t know what to do with myself. The trip has opened my eyes to travelling and I want to do even more now.”

The difference in her confidence and outlook on life was notable the moment she returned home, her father Michael, a team leader at Nissan, recalls.
“Sophie now has higher aspirations and more confidence. It really has been a complete catalyst for her. After the voyage, she had the confidence to go and work as a waitress in Ireland. It is such a worthwhile experience, I would love to do it myself.”
The charity has the potential to take 650 youngsters on board each year, with most voyages taking 18 people at a time, which includes volunteers.

Among these is Georgie Hind, a mother of two from Whitley Bay who has become a regular volunteer with the charity.
Georgie believes its success rests on the hands-on approach that the young people have to take when out at sea. During their time on board, the crew learn a variety of valuable interpersonal and transferable skills.

“The kids are encouraged to do everything themselves, they don’t have a choice. They have to hoist the sail, tie knots, clean, cook together and of course work as a team.”

And she is a firm believer in the importance of the boat’s family atmosphere, because many of the youngsters have come from broken families.
“We sing songs together, get to know each other. Regardless of our ages or lives, we are all on the boat together. The boat is like a cocoon.”
Groups including The Cyrenians, Rotary Clubs and Guide Dogs for the Blind have all recently worked with the Trust, and Georgie is hoping to take a group of children from Woodlawn School in North Tyneside out on the boat in the Easter holidays.

Steve Lennon, general manager of Ocean Youth Trust, North East, says: “We are committed to continuing to widen our support and user groups in 2011 and will be announcing a number of new key relationships and accreditations over the coming year. More people than ever will have the chance to experience the Ocean Youth Trust effect and use the experience to realise their ambitions. Some youngsters come on a voyage having never sat at a table to eat before, that alone is worthwhile. It really does shape them into better citizens and that gives me a great buzz.”

Read the whole article Here.

The 16-year-old was a pupil at Rastrick High School when she was sponsored by Brighouse Rotary Club to take part in the six-day voyage along the coast of northern England to Dunbar in Scotland.

She was sailing with a group of 12 young people aged from 14 to 17, sleeping and eating on board and helping to sail the 20-metre ketch. “It was a bit awkward at first because none of us knew each other but it didn’t take long before we were talking to each other. We all had to work together on sailing the ship and doing the chores. We all had to take turns at cooking the meals and cleaning.”

Jade had impressed members of the Youth Opportunities Committee of Brighouse Rotary Club and they agreed to put £450 towards the trip. Her mum Sue said: “Jade will have a go at anything, the bigger the challenge the more she likes it. I am very pleased that Brighouse Rotary gave her this opportunity because otherwise she would not have been able to go.”

Jade joined the James Cook, which is operated by the Ocean Youth Trust NE, at South Shields. “I had never been on board a boat before - apart from in a museum. The sea was quite choppy at times and we sailed through a hailstorm.

“I felt a bit queasy at first but after a couple of days I got my sea-legs and started to relax. When you’re lying in your bunk all you can feel is the boat going up and down - but we were so tired at the end of the day that we didn’t care. We saw seals and dolphins and we all got turns at taking the watch.”

A keen rock-climber and abseiler, Jade is hoping to have a career as an activities instructor. “It was quite scary at times. When we were coming into Dunbar, a rope sheered off and the boat was being bashed into the side of the harbour but the instructors were fantastic at giving us confidence. They made us listen and follow their instructions because our safety depended on it. We had to take it seriously and learn how to do things properly. On the way back from Dunbar we sailed all through the night which was an experience I’ll never forget.”

 There was a setback for Jade when she contracted tonsilitis shortly after the trip started and she had to be taken ashore for a dose of antibiotics at Amble but it didn’t dent her enthusiasm and it has given her a new taste for adventure. “I made some good friends by the end of the trip and I’m hoping that we’ll get the chance to meet up in the future. Going on the James Cook was one of the best things I’ve ever done,” she said.

Ken Langford, former chairman of the Youth Opportunities Committee said Jade had impressed Rotary members with her bravery and determination. “I accompanied her to South Shields to start the trip and her face went white when she saw the size of the boat. But to her credit, she got on with it and gave us an excellent talk at Rotary about the voyage.”

Brighouse Rotary Club supports two schemes for young people - the Youth Leadership Awards and the James Cook Experience. The four high schools in Brighouse were contacted and asked to put young people forward for the schemes, the successful applicants were then chosen by the committee. “Jade has gained a great deal of confidence and learned new skills from this experience and we were delighted.

Many people with disabilities may think they would never be able to take part in physical activities such as sailing – however two national charities have teamed up to show people in the North East that a disability should be no barrier to finding your sea-legs. Ocean Youth Trust North and Guide Dogs for the Blind have worked together to provide eight individuals aged 19-34, and their Guide Dogs, with the chance to enjoy a sailing trip up the RiverTyne.
 
For some of the individuals involved it was their first time sailing – many had never considered they would be able to take part in such a physical activity. However they are eager to prove that losing your sight does not mean losing out on life’s exciting experiences.
Shauna McKenna, 37 from High West Jesmond, lost her sight due to a degenerative condition at the age of 30. This trip was her first sailing encounter.
She said: “It can be very scary to lose a sense you have been reliant on for your entire life. I was very independent and active before losing my sight and for a while I thought: ‘This is it; I’ll just have to sit in the house from now on’.
“I imagined that I wouldn’t be able to do any of the day-to-day things I’d been used to doing and I certainly didn’t think that I would ever get a chance to go sailing.
“However, Guide Dogs for the Blind gave me a lot of support and provided me with a golden retriever, Pam, who has been my companion for almost five years. She helped me to get my confidence back and I was so excited to have the opportunity to sail on a yacht for the first time thanks to OYT North.”
Steve Lennon, General Manager of OYT North, added: “I’m very happy to work with Guide Dogs for the Blind so we could provide this group with an experience they otherwise might not have. It is important to let people know that there is support out there for those affected by a disability and that having a disability doesn’t mean you should not try new pursuits and discover new interests.

“We have worked with other disability charities before and it is wonderful to see the effect that getting out on the water can have on people. Getting to grips with sailing can significantly boost an individual’s confidence and self-esteem.

“For people who have gone through the terrifying experience of believing they may never lead a normal life, it’s wonderful to give them the opportunity to discover they can still enjoy activities such as sailing.”
OYT North specialises in the personal development of young people through Adventure under Sail on their purpose built vessel James Cook. They work with young people between the ages of 12 to 25 and adults with disabilities helping them to escape the challenges they face at home to become part of a real team. Sail training can build up self esteem and help develop awareness of the needs of others.

Guide Dogs for the Blind wants a society in which blind and partially-sighted people enjoy the same freedom of movement as everyone else. The ability to get around is vital in order to live a full life. The organisation empowers blind and partially-sighted people to do that rely on the support of the public to fund their services.

The outstanding work that OYT North carries out with young people that have special needs has been recognised in SEN Magazine.

OYT North really understands the impact that sailing can have on the personal and social development of young people of all abilities. Recently featured in the SEN Magazine, OYT North's Steve Lennon explained how sailing can make a huge impact on the lives of young people with special needs. Although sailing is something completely out of the ordinary for most people, it is accessible to everyone. It has the ability to really inspire and motivate youngsters of all backgrounds and abilities, this is especially true for young people with special needs - it boosts their confidence and helps them to achieve more than they ever thought possible. You can read the full article here.

OYT North recently provided an exceptional experience for a group of young people from Woodlawn School, a special school in North Tyneside. The young people, aged between 14 and 16-years-old, were taught sailing skills by the OYT North crew over a four day trip around the North East coast. By the end of the trip they were all more confident and able sailors.

All the youngsters suffer from social and physical disabilities to some degree. Despite this, Ian Saunders, a teacher at Woodlawn School, said that taking the young people out on the water was a fantastic opportunity for them to experience life outside of their comfort zone. He said: “The group have very diverse needs and can find communication and social interaction difficult. However onboard they simply had to learn how to cope with others and develop their social skills.

"OYT North can tailor any voyage to suit any particular needs that your group has, and has a range of packages available.

To make an enquiry or to book a voyage with Ocean Youth Trust North, please call our Shore Based Team on 0191 2571212 or email office@sailjamescook.com. We welcome all enquiries and are happy to discuss any special requirements that you may have.

Ocean Youth Trust North, the only sail training charity based in the region, is celebrating the launch of ambitious new plans to help even more young, disabled and disadvantaged people to unlock their potential, after 10 successful years in the region.
 
OYT North, begun as an educational development charity for North East youngsters, is now embarking on its second decade of operation after celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2010. Its bright yellow boat the James Cook is famous across the North Sea, and the charity has sailed around the world, helping to change the lives of 1000s of individuals for the better.

This year will see OYT North launch a new range of services designed to help more individuals and groups than ever before.

Steve Lennon, General Manager of OYT North said: “Like all organisations we have faced financial pressure during the past 12 months. However despite these difficulties we have made good progress and have helped many people to make a real difference to their lives.

“In addition to our ongoing work with schools, youth groups, disability charities and hospitals in the region, in the last year we have worked in partnership with other charities using our sail training programmes as part of a bigger package. To this end we worked with Guide Dogs for the Blind to assist a crew of visually impaired people to sail a vessel up the river Tyne. We have also worked with the Cyrenians a charity who works with vulnerable, disadvantaged and homeless people to help them make lasting positive changes in their lives.

“We are committed to continuing to widen our support and user groups in 2011 and will be announcing a number of new key relationships and accreditations over the coming year. More people than ever will have the chance to experience the OYT effect and use the experience to realise their ambitions.”

OYT North specialises in the personal development of young people through Adventure under Sail on their purpose built vessel James Cook. They work with young people between the ages of 12 to 25 helping them to become part of a real team. The young people develop their life skills by using their sailing experience as a tool. It can build up their self esteem and develop their awareness of the needs of others. Most activities onboard James Cook can be cross-referenced to the National Curriculum.

If you are interested in learning more about sail training opportunities, Contact Rachel at or phone the office on 0191 257 1212.

A North East sail training charity has reached out to some of the region’s most vulnerable people and taken a group of homeless people on the ‘Voyage of a Lifetime’, changing their lives in the process.

Ocean Youth Trust North teamed up with Newcastle-based charity The Cyrenians to take a group of individuals on a sailing trip described as the ‘Voyage of a Lifetime.’

The group were made up of nine male and female service users from The Cyrenians charity. They all had an interest in sailing and spent four days aboard the OYT North yacht James Cook sailing up the coast, learning new skills and experiencing life at sea.

The trip was intended to increase the individuals’ self-confidence and give them an opportunity to discover their own potential. It was funded by the Community Foundation.

Terry, a resident at The Cyrenians, felt so inspired by the voyage that he has now registered as a volunteer at OYT North.

He said: “The voyage was an unbelievable experience and I am so pleased I was able to take part – it is something that I will never forget. It was extremely hard work but there was a huge sense of satisfaction knowing you had done a full day’s hard graft.

“I could have easily spent more than the four days onboard and I am keen to keep involved in more sailing activities in the future. I registered to volunteer with the James Cook and I am thoroughly looking forward to it.”

Steve Lennon, General Manager of OYT North, said: “Learning a new skill such as sailing can inspire people to achieve and continue developing their skills. Working with The Cyrenians gave us a fantastic opportunity to deliver these opportunities to those members of society who are often passed over.

“We offer sail training to individuals from any background – those that have sailing experience and those who have never been on boat before. Invariably everybody we work with has a fantastic time and leaves with a renewed sense of purpose and self-belief. It can really be a transformative experience and I’m delighted that some of the people who took part in this voyage have decided to continue their journey with us as volunteers.

“Many of those who have started as volunteers with OYT North in the past have gone on to find careers in sailing. This includes our very own skipper Grace Metcalfe who joined us as a volunteer when she was 17. This goes to show that the benefits of learning how to sail can take you even further than you may have expected.”

OYT North specialises in personal development through the medium of ocean sailing. They work with people from all backgrounds and encourage them to use their sailing experience as a tool to develop skills, build up self esteem and develop awareness of the needs of others.

The Cyrenians work with some of the most vulnerable and socially excluded people in the North East. This voyage gave participants a chance to develop their teamwork skills, and built their self-esteem and confidence, with the aim of supporting the individuals to rejoin society.

A group of young people with physical and communication needs have learnt that their disabilities are no barrier to achievement, thanks to a North East sail training charity.

Five young people from Woodlawn School, Whitley Bay, were given the opportunity to take part in a sailing expedition that they never thought possible thanks to the charity Ocean Youth Trust North.

The young people, who are aged between 14 and 16-years-old, were taught sailing skills by the OYT North crew over a four day trip around the North East coast. By the end of the trip they were all more confident and able sailors.

All the youngsters suffer from social and physical disabilities to some degree. Despite this, Ian Saunders, a teacher at Woodlawn School, said that taking the young people out on the water was a fantastic opportunity for them to experience life outside of their comfort zone.

He said: “The group have very diverse needs and can find communication and social interaction difficult. However onboard they simply had to learn how to cope with others and develop their social skills.

“It was such a brilliant chance to challenge them to learn new skills and they really made the most of it. They all had to accept responsibility for certain duties, look after their own belongings and interact with adults, which were completely new situations for all of them. By the end of the four days they were much more self-assured and working together as a team.

“The OYT North team was absolutely fantastic. They were really helpful and patient with the group and they taught them so much – a lot more than simply sailing knowledge. We’re looking forward to getting another group onboard James Cook as soon as we can.”

Steve Lennon, General Manager of OYT North, added: “OYT North is not just about teaching young people how to sail. It is about helping them to learn their own potential and to develop important life skills which can take them wherever they want to go. This is especially important for young people who may be at a disadvantage, as they may have lower self-confidence.

“Our staff are trained to help reinforce our students self-belief whilst challenging them to do more than they thought they were able to. It is fantastic that Woodlawn School has seen such excellent results from their trip, as these are exactly the kind of changes we hope to inspire in our groups. We look forward to continuing to provide many more young people, with and without additional needs, similarly inspiring experiences.”

OYT North specialises in the personal development of young people through Adventure under Sail on their purpose built vessel James Cook. They work with young people between the ages of 12 to 25 helping them to become part of a real team. The young people develop their life skills by using their sailing experience as a tool. It can build up their self esteem and develop their awareness of the needs of others. Most activities onboard James Cook can be cross-referenced to the National Curriculum.

James Cook has taken 1000s of people on  amazing sailing voyages over the years and everyone always remembers their  voyage. It often changes their lives. At the Tall Ships in Hartlepool Ruth & Marie Lawford saw our  famous yellow boat in the marina and came on board. This is what they told  us:

“We sailed on James Cook 19 years ago (in  1991) when we were 19 years old!  We were on an 8 day voyage, from 14  Sept 1991 to 21 Sept 1991.  Our sailing journey took us from Whitby to  Hartlepool to North Shields to Amble to Eyemouth to Granton and then back down  to Blyth. Our Skipper was Edward Bradshaw, the First Mate was Andrew Heppel,  there were two Mates, Mike and Will and a Bosun, Kath.  There were 9 crew  - us two (Ruth & Marie), another girl called Marie, and then Matt, Mark,  Ian, Lee, Craig and Allaister.

“We had a great time sailing on James Cook. We remember doing a  night watch and seeing all the lighthouses sparkling, watching the sun set and  sunrise, seeing dolphins swimming alongside the yacht and sailing along the  Firth of Forth in what seemed to be a Force 8 gale with pouring rain!  We  also remember that Hartlepool Marina hadn't been open long but the shower  facilities were excellent!  Also, Eyemouth was a lovely little port to  stay in. We still have our voyage certificates.

“Before sailing on the James Cook, we  had never had any lessons as such, but we'd been sailing in a Mirror Dinghy  and in a gorgeous 2 masted gaff rigged open wooden boat (about 20 feet long)  that had two red sails on Windermere.  Over the last few years, we've  been sailing on Beneteaus on Windermere - a Beneteau 331 & 311 (30 foot)  and a Beneteau First 211 (20 foot) - and in June this year we passed our RYA  Level 1 Keelboat Sailing Course, which we're really chuffed about!  We're  planning on doing Level 2 next year.

“We'll be sending off our forms to  join as Friends of the Ocean Youth Trust North and hopefully, we'd love  to join a Friends Voyage at some point.”

It  means a huge amount to everyone at OYT North to meet old crew and relive their  experiences and see what they are doing now. It’s the 50th anniversary of the  Ocean Youth Club this year and we’d like to find as many of our former crew as  possible. If you were a former crew member or have any memories of James Cook  or OYT North please get in touch here.

Our Friends scheme is a great way  of keeping in touch and by making a donation of a few pounds a month you can  help OYT North power into the next decade as the North’s leading sail training  charity, helping children and young people all across the North of England  experience a new way of life and a new  future.

41 Club National President – Malcolm Lockey - has just completed a two week walk around the MILLENNIUM WAY for his Charity – The Ocean Youth Trust. Malcolm was accompanied throughout the walk by National Sales & Marketing Officer – Hugh Milward.

The Millennium Way is a 100 mile long distance footpath, cutting across the centre of England, devised and promoted by 41 Club. The MILLENNIUM WAY uses public footpaths to traverse three counties attempting to avoid roads and focus on exploring and enjoying the delights of the English countryside.

Click here you to see a selection of pictures taken during Malcolm’s ‘Presidential Plod’

7th - 10th August

James Cook arrived in Hartlepool after a thrilling race across the North Sea from Kristiansand, Norway for the 54th Tall Ships Race.
 
The voyage to Norway and the subsequent race back across the North Sea to Hartlepool was an unforgettable experience for the crew on board the James Cook.

Crew member Bradley West found the whole adventure overwhelming;

"I feel that sailing on the James Cook changed my life more than any other experience that I have even undertaken. Before going, everyone who I talked to about it said the same thing, that ìit will change youî, and ìyou’ll come back as a different personî. At the time, I never believed them. When you are out on the water and with the crew, you do feel different and when we got home I certainly felt different.His ideas of Sailing as a sport changed massively as a result of his experience on board James Cook during the Tall Ships Races 2010.  "I though it was a relatively elite sport which was only accessible to rich and connected people, but in reality anyone can sail, you just have to be willing to try."

Laura Mclachlan hopes that the friendships that she has made as a result of her time on board James Cook will continue.
"I honestly didn't want to leave and come home. I couldn't imagine life outside the boat! Anything I write just can't do the incredible experience justice."

When Ruth and Marie Lawford spied our famous yellow boat at Hartlepool it brought back magical memories of their voyage on James Cook almost twenty years ago. They joined us on board and shared with us their experiences.  They were so thrilled that it has prompted them to Join OYT North’s Friends scheme – a great way to keep in touch and also support the OYT North’s  work in the region. Read more about their reunion with OYT North here.

OYT North would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our associate organisations and sponsors and all you who came to visit us in Hartlepool, it was great to see you all and your support was very much appreciated.

If you are interested in sailing with OYT North or would like any further information Contact Us or you can telephone us on 01912571212.

James Cook recently paid a visit to Berwick-upon-Tweed. Staff welcomed on board locals and introduced them to the opportunities that the OYT North offers young people and adults - learning new skills, working as part of a team and broadening horizons through sailing.

The crew were surprised and touched when one group they met were so grateful for their introduction to sail training that they presented OYT North with a delicious homemade cake.

The Spittal Scouts, a group of 21 children aged nine to 13, had a wonderful time exploring the vessel. They were shown around the yacht’s living quarters and deck whilst the crew explained the challenges and opportunities which can be achieved through sailing.

The children were very excited by the visit and many were inspired to try sailing for themselves. Young scout Christopher Garland, 13, especially enjoyed his visit to the boat - so much so that the following day he brought the crew a fresh home-made cake to say thank you.

He said: “The best part of the day was chatting to Craig about all the things the crew do when they go on a long trip. I really like boats and it sounds like it would be a lot of fun to go sailing.

“I wanted to say thank you to everyone who showed us round the boat so as soon as I got home I asked my mum to make them a cake. I think that I’d really like to go sailing now and I hope I get the chance to go with Ocean Youth Trust sometime.”

Steve Lennon, General Manager of OYT North, added: “I was very touched when Christopher and his parents came back the day after their visit with their homemade cake. It was absolutely delicious and the crew devoured it very quickly!

“It’s really great to see that the work we are doing in the North East to promote the benefits of sail training is having an impact. The responsibility and team-building skills young people can develop aboard a boat can be so important in later life. I hope that we will see the Scouts from Berwick again soon and this time give them the opportunity to get out on the water and try taking the wheel themselves.”

Many other groups including families, army cadets, schools and the mayor came along to have a tour of the OYT North yacht James Cook. They were shown around the boat and introduced to the basic skills needed when at sea.

OYT North specialises in the personal development of young people through Adventure under Sail on their purpose built vessel James Cook. They work with young people between the ages of 12 to 25 helping them to escape the challenges they face at home to become part of a real team. The young people develop their life skills by using their sailing experience as a tool. It can build up their self esteem and develop their awareness of the needs of others. Most activities onboard James Cook can be cross referenced to the School curriculum.

If you are interested in learning more about Ocean Youth Trust North or would like to book a sailing trip, email Rachel using the Contact form, or phone the office on 0191 257 1212.

Sir Harry Wilmot, 43, has become a trustee for the Ocean Youth Trust North, a charity that teaches young people how to sail, and is determined to get youngsters interested in sailing through his new role.

The charity, which works with people aged between 12 and 25, helps youngsters - through sailing - to escape the challenges at home and to work as a team. And in his new role, Sir Harry, director of Middlesbrough-based H E Woolley, a fire protection and home security system provider, hopes to get more people involved in the sport.

He said: “Despite its immediate access to the ocean, people don’t necessarily think of sailing when they think of Middlesbrough.
“Unfortunately this means that many youngsters are missing out on the opportunity to explore an exciting and challenging pastime. I aim to work with OYT North to help change this.”

The father-of-three from Great Broughton, who enjoys sailing with his family, believes that the skills learnt on the water can benefit young people in a variety of ways. He said: “Handling a boat or a yacht requires discipline, effort and teamwork. The lessons learnt aboard a ship can be very important in day-to-day life and can help to give youngsters a focus on their education and future.

Steve Lennon, General Manager of OYT North, said: “We are always looking at new ways of getting people interested in what we do. Sir Harry’s influence in Teesside will be a great help in getting the OYT North name out in the community.

If you are interested in learning more about Ocean Youth Trust North or would like to book a sailing trip, email Rachel using the Contact form, or phone the office on 0191 257 1212.

OYT North recently completed another successful voyage for a group of first-time sailors from York who achieved their initial sailing qualifications.

Ten children and two teachers from St Olave’s Prep School, York went on a week long voyage with OYT North aboard the James Cook. The group of 12-year-olds travelled along the North East coast, learning many new skills while they were encouraged to work as a team setting the sails, steering and participating in life onboard.

Each child’s practical learning went towards achieving a nationally recognised Royal Yachting Association (RYA) qualification and Grace Metcalfe, the skipper of James Cook was delighted to award each member of the crew a Start Yachting certificate.

Over the seven days the children sailed from North Shields to Blyth and from Hartlepool to Newcastle. They were instructed by members of the OYT North crew in sailing techniques such as knot tying and navigating. They were also taught the correct terms for and proper use of sailing equipment.

They were accompanied by their teacher Emma Layfield, 34 from Pickering, North Yorkshire. Emma, Head of Junior Science at the school, used to volunteer with Ocean Youth Trust throughout university. She said: “The trip was a wonderful way to relive my earlier sailing experiences with the Trust, but more importantly the children absolutely loved it and got so much out of the experience.

“None of them had ever been on such a large boat before and many were a little nervous about the prospect but they all really got into the swing of it. They picked up lots of new skills and learnt how to apply the curriculum to practical situations.

“For example, they employed their maths knowledge in navigating and plotting courses for the vessel, did all their own cooking and learnt a lot about meteorology. As we travelled along the coast they learnt to identify different types of birds and other sea life as well as looking at the environmental impact of man on the landscape – a major part of the geography curriculum.

“All the children really pulled together as a team, though they were all recognised for their hard work individually with their RYA awards. I’m already looking forward to next year’s voyage.”

Steve Lennon said: “It is always a pleasure when we take a group of children out on the boat who get such a great deal of enjoyment and achievement from it. I’m particularly glad that on our first voyage of the season the children have had such a wonderful time and picked up the necessary skills to receive their first sailing qualification.

“Getting youngsters out of the classroom to learn practical skills in the great outdoors can be hugely beneficial for their health and self-esteem. It’s great to see children who feel nervous at the start of a trip come back after a week full of confidence and excited about discovering a new interest.

“I hope that some of the children who took part in this voyage have discovered a new enthusiasm for sailing and go on to further learning. I look forward to welcoming them back on future trips.”

If you are interested in learning more about Ocean Youth Trust North or would like to book a sailing trip, email Rachel using the Contact form, or phone the office on 0191 257 1212.

James Cook’s recent stay in Hartlepool caused waves of enthusiasm, as we welcomed a whole host of youngsters from the region on board in a series of highly successful free taster sessions.

The youngsters were joined by leaders from their respective community groups and schools at the Marina. Our taster sessions provided everyone that attended the opportunity to have fun and test their sea legs in activities aboard the vessel.

Our stay generated some excellent regional press coverage including features in both the Northern Echo and the Hartlepool Mail. Ocean Youth Trust North’s General Manager, Steve Lennon and Skipper, Grace Metcalfe, also took to the air waves for a live radio broadcast on BBC Radio Tees’ Drive Time show.

With the world famous Tall Ships Races coming to Hartlepool next year, it’s clear that the town has certainly been bitten by the sailing bug.

Amongst James Cook’s many visitors last week were Hartlepool’s Mayor, Stuart Drummond and Hartlepool Council’s Tall Ships Officer Lesley Strickland, who came along to lend their support to James Cook’s endeavours in Hartlepool.

Lesley said: We’re delighted that James Cook, a frequent visitor to the marina, has come back to Hartlepool to give our young people the chance to find out what life is like aboard a tall ship. It’s a great platform for The Tall Ships Races 2010. We’re expecting up to one hundred vessels and up to a million visitors to Hartlepool in what will be a massive event for the town."

Stuart added: "It's great that the James Cook has come here to give young people a taste of what it would be like on a tall ship. We are delighted the staff are here, and it is exciting to see thing building up to the Tall Ships Races."