Rotary Youth Sailing success for Burnside teens
Two Burnside teenagers have embarked upon the trip of a lifetime, having recently returned from a five day voyage aboard the One & All as part of the Rotary Youth Sailing Challenge.
Daisy Braithwaite, 17, and Ruby Marsh, 15, were sponsored by the City of Burnside to participate in the challenge and the duo said it was an unparalleled experience.
'This was my first time sailing - it was a really good opportunity to challenge myself, I wish I could go back and do it again,' Daisy said.
'I made a lot of friends and we still catch up over FaceTime and are looking to catch up in person again soon.'
The five day training program aboard the One & All is designed to push participants in ways they would never experience on dry land. As soon as they step on board their mobile phones are removed for the duration of the trip and they spend their first three days learning what is required to sail a square rigged ship. On the final two days, the participants are tasked with sailing the vessel home by themselves (under the safe and watchful eye of the crew).
Ruby and Daisy said the experience taught them how to work effectively in a team, as participants had to rely upon one another to complete their tasks. These included climbing rigging to unfurl the sails, learning how to navigate and ensuring all knots and lines are maintained.
'I applied because I really wanted to improve my confidence and leadership skills which I feel like I have,' Ruby said.
'It was an adventure for a lot of people, it really took them out of their comfort zone.'
Ruby's mum Judith and Daisy's dad Nick said they were proud of their daughters for tackling such a great challenge.
'I’m very proud of Ruby, she tried something new and she had a really good time,' Judith said.
'I was able to monitor the boat on an app and I watched its progress for the first few days, I know they had some bad weather so I was impressed with how they managed,' Nick said.
To find out more about how you or a loved one can get involved in a future voyage with the Rotary Youth Sailing Challenge, contact our Community Connections team at communitycentres@burnside.sa.gov.au.
Ruby Marsh learning the ropes
The One & All
Daisy Braithwaite aboard the voyage
