‘Caroline’ sets sail

With great excitement we officially set sail on our skerry, ‘Caroline’. The sun was blazing down on the Thames as our group of rowers arrived in style for the launch ceremony of our boat. The team was welcomed by their school friends, Principal Mr Walsh, Governor Barbara McIntosh, members of Skerries for Schools and OHCAT CEO Dr Caroline Allen, who was completely unaware of the surprise in store – that the boat had been named after her!

The school had been awarded a grant from Sport England and led by PE Teacher Mr Mears, they invested in a skerry (a specialist boat combining a skiff and a wherry) through the organisation Skerries 4 Schools. Skerries 4 Schools aims to enable youngsters to ‘discover the discipline and excitement of rowing’, and members of their team were saying what an incredible sport it is for young people to access; it builds team work, resilience, perseverance, and it’s really enjoyable!

A boat launch wouldn’t be official without pouring bubbly on the boat, so Caroline did the honours, with a brief word to wish the students well on their rowing adventures.

The group then set sail for a short journey before a party with tea and cake to celebrate!