Long Stratton’s St Mary’s Junior Academy helps pupils learn the ropes with sailing day

School children from St Mary’s Junior Academy in Long Stratton have been learning new skills by taking part in sailing sessions.

A total of 60 pupils took part in the sailing sessions on the River Thurne with the Norfolk Heritage Fleet Trust at Hunter’s Yard in Ludham on June 15 and 16.

They spent time learning sailing skills, including steering the tiller and tacking using the ropes on the mainsail and jib.

After the sailing experience, the children spent some time completing a nautical quiz sheet.

Helen Norris, a Year 5 class teacher from St Mary’s Junior Academy, said: “Thank you so much to the staff at Hunter’s Yard.

“We had the most wonderful time. It was such an engaging, exciting and memorable trip.

“For many, this was their first time on a boat and their first visit to the Broads. They absolutely loved learning about the boat and how to sail.

“They engaged so well with the adults who skippered the boats – so keen to ask questions and to hear how things worked.

“Thank you so much to the adults who skippered for us – they were so polite and kind.

“We all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and will absolutely remember this trip for many years to come.”

Executive deputy headteacher Laura Richardson added: “The children had the most wonderful experience.

“For the majority of children, this was their first time on the Norfolk Broads. They learnt so much about the boats provided by the Norfolk Heritage Fleet Trust.”