“I think the young people have grown throughout the voyage and learnt how the deal with situations out of their control.”
Oliver, Voyage on FaramirMay 2019
“What I learnt from the experience was taking on a leadership role and being able to work with other crew members, even when I’m frustrated.”
Steven, Voyage on FaramirMay 2019
“The whole experience was fantastic and the staff on board were excellent. Very encouraging and always had a smile on their faces.”
Ryan, Voyage on Queen GaladrielMay 2019
“What I liked the most about the voyage was managing personal and shared responsibilities. Also having the chance to disconnect from everyday life.”
Will, Voyage on Queen GaladrielMay 2019
“The residential offered the young people new life skills that could not be achieved in a regular classroom.”
Esmerelda, Voyage on Queen GaladrielMay 2019
“It was challenging at times, but it was really really fun.”
Laura, Voyage on Queen GaladrielJune 2019
“I think this is an incredible opportunity and perfect environment for learning. All young people should have the opportunity to challenge themselves and learn new skills in this way.”
Tanya, Voyage on Queen GaladrielJune 2019
“The crew made us feel so welcome and were so helpful, very professional, but were also able to have a laugh! They were also amazing with our young people and we can’t thank them enough.”
Cora, Voyage on Queen GaladrielJune 2019
“What I liked the most about the voyage was learning new skills and getting to know new people.”
Ainsely, Voyage on Queen GaladrielJune 2019
“What I liked the most about the voyage was being a team.”
Keely, Voyage on FaramirApril 2019
“The things I loved most about the experience were learning new skills and being able to find confidence in myself and knowing my knowledge can go further than what I think.”
Tahmid, Voyage on DuetApril 2019
“I liked that we all worked as a team and the help from the crew was amazing. I would come again if I have the opportunity.”
Fiona, Voyage on DuetApril 2019
“I enjoyed it much more that I through I would and I would do it again given the chance.”
James, Voyage on DuetMay 2019
“A great experience overall for all our students. I look forward to future voyages.”
Fern, Voyage on Queen GaladrielJune 2019
“I learnt that you have to keep going, even when things get tough. And that there’s a really big world out there to explore!”
Ainsley, Voyage on Queen GaladrielJuly 2019
“I didn’t think someone like me would be chosen. It was an amazing experience, can we do it again?!”
Chloe, Voyage on Queen GaladrielJune 2019
“I wanted to inspire my younger sisters to aim high and try new things. I knew that if they saw me take on this challenge, they’d wonder what extraordinary things they could achieve in life!”
Connor, Voyage on Queen GaladrielJuly 2019
“Mentoring the younger pupils was really rewarding. Some were seasick and some were homesick. Some questioned their ability to take on challenging tasks, such as climb the rigging. Providing encouragement and support to them made me feel proud of myself. The experience has made me want to find a career that allows me to support and encourage others.”
Alan, Voyage on Queen GaladrielJuly 2019
“This experience will increase the confidence of every child who takes part. They will each feel proud of their achievement and will develop teamwork and leadership skills by rolling up their sleeves and gaining hands-on experience in a challenging but unforgettable environment.”
Leanne, Voyage on Queen GaladrielJuly 2018
‘I enjoyed seeing new parts of the country and seeing students develop socially and personally.’
Lana, Voyage on FaramirApril 2018
‘It was a great experience and perfect environment to learn new skills and to learn how to work as a team.’
Seven, Voyage on FaramirApril 2018
‘I liked the fact that we could be independent and get on with challenges and be allowed to make choices that we think are best.’
Kurtis, Voyage on FaramirMay 2018
‘I liked the fact that I didn’t have to rely on technology to have fun.’
D. Bringloe, Voyage on FaramirJune 2018
‘ The sailing residential gives the opportunity for young people to be out of their comfort zone, learn how to deal with being in a different/difficult environment, which will greatly improve their independence.’
Tyrel, Voyage on FaramirAugust 2018
‘The boat is really safe and the skipper makes sure of it. Also its good for people that haven’t done a lot of sailing. It gives them a chance to experience it and show the skills.’
Nicky, Voyage on FaramirAugust 2018
‘The sailing voyage provides a new and very different environment that is a great ‘leveler’ and allows people to take on new roles and permission to be different from the person they are at home.’
Henry, Duke of Edinburgh Voyage on FaramirAugust 2018
‘The trust that the sea staff put in us to get it right was inspiring. Their expectations were always high which pushed us to push ourselves.’
Annabelle, Duke of Edinburgh Voyage on FaramirSeptember 2018
‘I liked the last two days that were spent working as a team, using the skills learned from the previous days. Everyone was happy and taking part, we worked really well as a team and everyone was doing a role that they were confident in.’
Sarva, Voyage on FaramirApril 2018
‘Getting the team to learn to work together was a highlight of the voyage. The young people have worked hard and improved. But they took time to actually realise their opportunity.’
Christina, Voyage on Queen GaladrielJuly 2018
‘This has been a transformative experience for our students and we have enjoyed it immensely.’
Lydia, Voyage on Queen GaladrielJuly 2018
‘I learn that the world is bigger than you think. (and lots of sailing techniques)’
Sue, Voyage on Queen GaladrielAugust 2018
‘The best bit of sailing residential was the skills the young people learned and the opportunity to experience a totally new environment. Also to participate in activities with other young people in similar life situations.’
Sara, Voyage on Queen GaladrielOctober 2018
‘There are very few opportunities for teens to genuinely work with others, learn life skills and develop healthy independence from the current systems they’re used to.’
James, Voyage on Queen GaladrielOctober 2018
‘I learn’t a lot of things from the sailing trip. The best bits were all of the sailing things and parts of the boat, etc. More importantly, I picked up a lot from the crew about being positive and getting along with other people’
Holly, Duke of Edinburgh Voyage on Queen GaladrielOctober 2018
‘Thank you – absolutely brilliant. Really fab how everyone’s skills were used and we were able to achieve different levels of knowledge.’
Kelly, Voyage on FaramirApril 2019
Highlight of the week was the group working as a team and supporting each other through the week.
Bill, Voyage on FaramirApril 2019
“This trip has managed to forge new relationships with the young people and to see them develop themselves has been absolutely amazing.”
With 2020 nearing the end, we are now able to look forward to 2021 with some optimism.
The current year has been difficult for Cirdan, as it has for so many small charities. The health, safety and welfare of our crew and all those who use our service has been a priority, so the enforcement of government guidelines and restrictions has prevented us from operating any of our vessels. This has been a great disappointment to us and to the young people who would have taken part in our voyage of discovery.
It now looks as though an effective vaccine against COVID-19 is in sight which will make it possible for Cirdan voyages to resume during 2021. Our summer programme is already filling up fast with groups that postponed voyages originally planned for this year. However, there is still plenty of availability aboard all three vessels for life-changing voyages to help young people recover from the negative effect of the lockdowns.
We are still working with a reduced team but please call us on 01621 776684 or email info@cirdantrust.org as we would be pleased to hear from you.
