TWO students returned to London last week after taking part in a five-day sailing academy.

Arianne Brooks and Jay Williams, both aged 15, from Leytonstone School were among 24 students to board two ocean-going Challenger Yachts for the voyage.

Run by the Tall Ships Youth Trust and funded by the HSBC Global Education Trust, the students sailed from Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth and completed their RYA Start Yachting qualification.

Students were shown how to set and stow the sails, haul the ropes, steer the yacht, and sail the yacht out to sea.

They also developed life skills, such as teamwork, leadership, communication and problem-solving.

Jay said: “It was good to meet people from all other schools in London and experience different situations and challenges."

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