Larkhall teenager is set to sail around Ireland
A profoundly deaf Larkhall teenager will attempt to sail almost 1000 miles and circumnavigate Ireland as part of a 14-day youth work challenge voyage.
Chloe Aitken, 18, will take part in Ocean Youth Trust Scotland’s Young Leaders Development Programme (YLDP), which aims to develop the confidence and skills of 12 promising young people and provide them with both sailing and leadership qualifications, to equip them for a brighter future.
Ocean Youth Trust Scotland is an awardwinning charity that supports young people from disadvantaged backgrounds through youth work on the waves.
On five-day residential voyages aboard its sailtraining vessels, young crew members are expected to carry out all activities on board – from learning the ropes and steering the yacht to completing domestic tasks, navigating and going ashore to explore.
Most have never sailed before they step on board, and for many it is their first time away from home.
The Trust, which takes more than 800 young people to sea each year, supports those from challenging backgrounds in particular, whether they be young carers, care-experienced, those with additional support needs, facing social isolation or exclusion from education.
Young people who are identified as showing real promise when sailing with the Trust are encouraged to apply for the highly-coveted YLDP, and Chloe was delighted to be accepted on the voyage after applying.
Aboard the charity’s 72-foot yacht, Alba Explorer, manned by highly-qualified sea staff, the 14-day YLDP voyage will set off from Oban, before heading to Ireland where the crew will attempt to circumnavigate Fastnet Rock.
The west coast of Ireland presents a particularly gruelling stretch of water.
With few places to stop, rocky waters to negotiate, and the irregular currents of both the Irish Sea and the Atlantic Ocean to contend with, the voyage will test the participants and sea staff to their limits, both physically and psychologically.
The young crew members will be expected to sail through the night, working in two watches on threehour rotations, in order to rack up the mileage.
Chloe first sailed with Ocean Youth Trust Scotland in October 2017, when she took part in a voyage with Larkhall charity, The Machan Trust.
She returned with her school, Larkhall Academy, the following year and has since volunteered with the Trust, earning her bosun qualification.
Following the voyage, each YLDP participant will work with a local community group to apply their new life skills ashore, while continuing to use their sailing skills as volunteer sea staff on future youth voyages with the charity.
Chloe intends to progress from bosun to the position of watchleader, before continuing to volunteer for the charity.
Prior to sailing, Chloe, suffered ridicule and taunts and on one occasion had her hearing aids ripped from her ears.
She attributes her growth in confidence to her experiences sailing with Ocean Youth Trust Scotland.
On taking part in the challenge, Chloe said: “Sailing has changed my life – it has given me confidence in myself and my ability to do well.
“Thanks to my experiences sailing with Ocean Youth Trust Scotland and the impact it has had on me, I am now going to study shipping and maritime operations at Glasgow’s Nautical College. This is something I would previously have never thought possible. Sailing has changed my life.
“I’m really excited about the Young Leaders Development Programme. I’ll get the chance to meet new people, to sail in beautiful surroundings and to push myself out my comfort zone.”
Nick Fleming, chief executive of Ocean Youth Trust Scotland, commented: “This voyage is about recognising the rising stars from communities from across Scotland – most specifically, those who might otherwise slip under the radar due to the challenges and backgrounds of their home life.
“It’s about ensuring they have the opportunity to realise their true potential and learn new skills, gain qualifications and an unparalleled life experience that will ultimately impact their confidence, resilience, perspective and prospects in life.
“We look forward to welcoming Chloe and the other young crew members aboard for what will undoubtedly be a life-changing experience for them.”
In order to take part in the Young Leaders Development Programme, each participant must raise £600 for the charity to help contribute to the cost of the voyage.
Anyone wishing to support Chloe can do so at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/chloe.aitken