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Sloop adventure an 'amazing experience'

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We survived: Bermuda High School Year 9 students survived the challenges presented them during a week of adventure training on board Spirit of Bermuda and Paget Island recently.

Bermuda High School students and four chaperones had the experience of realty show “Survivor” as they set aboard the sloop, Spirit of Bermuda in the last week of May. The Port Voyage set off on the Spirit of Bermuda from Dockyard while the Starboard Voyage started off in St George’s and spent two and a half days on Paget Island in St George’s Harbour.Once on the island, students had to decide what was necessary for survival as they were given small, watertight bags. Students had to build their tents and galleys (kitchens) out of nothing more than tarps and ropes. They had to plan their meals and participate in many challenges during the two days such as scavenger hunts around Paget Island, and snorkelling at Cooper’s Island. Skye Robinson-Bean, a student who took part in the voyage, said the trip was a great experience and made her grateful for basic appliances.While on board the sloop, students were first taught the basic safety rules for sailing and then were shown the very small living area. The students were taught how to steer the boat and how to manage the sails. At the start of the journey, students had to walk onto the bowsprit net, which for some was a frightening experience, but was the start of the many adventures to come aboard Spirit of Bermuda.After a tiring day, the students went down below for dinner, thanks to the galley hands. Later, they settled down for journal time where they learned about Bermuda’s history and wrote diaries in a character’s voice encompassing things they had learned and activities enjoyed that day.Evenings, it was time for bed in the cabin or anchor watch, everyone’s least favourite time of day. However, all were able to make their nightwatch. Students were awoken at 6:30am for morning exercises and breakfast and after that was cleaning time. “We made cleaning fun by singing the whole time,” said Chloe Canning.Students then set off on their long trip to the other side of the Island. The Port Voyage stopped near North Rock for a quick swim then continued their trip to St George’s. The next day was the final days on the island for Starboard Voyage and the last day on the sloop for Port Voyage. The students took complete control of the sloop and steered the boat, but after lunch the girls had to say goodbye to the boat and the island.Finally, after a week of not showering, the girls went home tired, but all agree that it was one of the most amazing experiences of their lives.