The Leading Lights project was triumphantly launched on Tuesday 27th of March just a few feet away from the Ormiston Trust offices. Where better to launch a sailing project than on a historic warship? The HQS Wellington is the last surviving member of the Grimsby Class of sloops which served the nation with much distinction in World War Two. It’s magnificent setting provided a fitting back-drop to share and celebrate the upcoming Leading Lights Project. On board the guests enjoyed refreshments, speeches and a saxophone band made up of talented students from City of Norwich School.
The speeches included presentations from Charlotte Wright at the Ormiston Trust, Steve MacLeod, an Ormiston Trust Trustee, Les Chapman of the Honourable Company of Master Mariners and Trinity House, Nick Hudson, CEO of Ormiston Academies Trust, Lucy Gross from the Association of Sail Training Organisations and Holly Vint, a Sailing Support Officer from the Ocean Youth Trust South.
A couple of the business leaders who have signed up to join the trip also gave an introduction and background as to why they wanted to take part. One of them shared her experiences of being told at school that aiming to be a vet was too ambitious and that she should be more ‘realistic’. Determined to prove them wrong, she is now a partner in a law firm. It is this determination and aspiration which we want the business leaders to impart to the students during the sailing trip in order that they return home feeling more confident and inspired to reach their goals.
Students from a few of the Ormiston academies taking part, gave their own personal presentations about why they chose to apply to the project and what they’re most looking forward to and hoping to gain from it.
The Leading Lights Project gives Year 10 students from Ormiston academies, the opportunity to participate in a sailing adventure with inspirational leaders in business. This exciting opportunity will enable students and business people, to work and learn together on board a fully-crewed sailing ship. A professional crew from the Ocean Youth Trust South will be on board to teach the skills required to sail. Both students and professionals alike – many of whom will never have sailed before – will be actively involved in every aspect of sailing the boat, from hoisting and lowering sails, steering, navigation, anchoring, cooking and keeping watch.
If you would like to know more about the project and how you can get involved please visit: http://www.leadinglightsproject.co.uk/
