THERE was plenty of messing around in boats as youngsters set sail on a Hampshire waterway – with a little help from Southampton Port bosses.
Pupils from Marchwood Junior School got a taste of the water while cruising on the River Itchen with the ABP Southampton Sailing Academy.
A group of 12 youngsters had been eagerly awaiting the trip, but their hearts sunk when the school was unable to secure transport there.
But the Southampton Port authorities stepped in to buoy their hopes by donating the use of a mini bus for five days to ensure they were not stranded on dry land.
Clive Thomas, port manager, said: “Our academy provides a fantastic opportunity for children to get out on the water.
"There was no way we were going to let a lack of wheels stop these keen youngsters from giving it a go so we were more than happy to step in and help out with a minibus.
"Seeing them having such fun on the water today has been incredibly rewarding and we hope we’ve inspired some of them to take up sailing as a sport.”
Pupil George, aged 11, enjoyed trying sailing for the second time, said: “The main thing I learnt from it is how to be calm and not panic. When the boat tips over it can be a bit scary.”
The academy, set up last year with a £10,000 investment by ABP, gives young first-time sailors and those from inner-city schools the opportunity to learn the ropes at sailing at taster sessions with the Southampton Activities Water Centre.
Pupils from Newlands and Forest Park schools are among 100 children who have taken to the water this year, while children from Holy Family and Sinclair Primary schools are poised to learn.
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