At first I was scared, and I came out confident… I loved sitting on the side of the boat and getting splashed

With sailing you really have to watch out for safety, so you’re giving the children the awareness of watching out for another human life.

It was great to see the smiles on the children’s faces while sailing. Most of the children had only been on the Torpoint ferry at most, so this was a fantastic experience for them.

All children loved it and couldn’t wait until the next session the following day.

Children who wouldn’t have these opportunities otherwise, due to social and economic deprivation. Also to build resilience for mental health and teamwork.

The captains were really nice, they told us what to do and we got to steer the boat. It was nice being with my friends and not in school writing.

We saw a catfish and popping seaweed!

… if you don’t have many friends, or you get bullied, maybe it calms you down, you just think of when you’re out in the open.

I loved putting my hand in the water as we went fast so it splashed me… I got to see the Hoe from the other side, I’d never been out there in the water before.

It helps me socialise with kids of my age. I don’t really like football. I like this, and I can talk with my friends here, and it’s fun.

… she’s taken on something new in sailing, and she’s starting to gain the experience, it stands her in good stead with other things.

… the staff are absolutely brilliant. What they do for the children is amazing.

It’s not just the outdoor activity, it’s the group, and it’s such a welcoming, inclusive and friendly group.

Before I came to Horizons I was like really angry, and now I’ve just sort of like settled down a bit.

New friendships were made as they spent time in a boat with children they do not usually talk to. These have carried on at school.

Thank you for such a fantastic week of sailing. I loved it! When I heard that we were going sailing I was scared but it was a great success, I loved it!

They went home buzzing, telling their parents all about it. The children really liked going fast and putting their hands and arms in the water.