Students at Cowes Enterprise College Sixth Form, sponsored by Ormiston Academies Trust (OAT), were honoured to be joined by The Princess Royal as part of the Royal Yacht Squadron’s (RYS) Youth Race Training event.
During the visit on Wednesday 14th April, The Princess Royal spoke with a wide range of students about their experience and interest in sailing.
Year 12 A-level students Esha Mujtaba, Sneha Sanyal and Kristian Schafer joined an array of instructors to experience the Royal Yacht Squadron’s J70 fleet and received one-to-one tuition from RYS volunteers.
Presented the Polly Birch award
Kristian was also awarded the Polly Birch award by the RYS for being “the best all round adventurous performer in terms of sailing performance, effort and skill.”
The award is given on behalf of Richard and Felicity Dick in memory of their daughter Polly, who tragically died of brain cancer while only in her 30s.
Elsewhere, and in Prince Philip’s memory, students and staff involved in the academy’s Duke of Edinburgh award scheme have this week been sharing memories and experiences they gained as part of the programme.
Kitley: Deeply proud of the rich local heritage
Rachel Kitley, principal of Cowes Enterprise College, said,
“It was an honour for some of our students to meet The Princess Royal, and I know they were thrilled to share their love of sailing.
“The Royal Yacht Squadron do fantastic work in the community, and I was extremely proud to see Kristian awarded for his hard work and commitment.
“Cowes Enterprise College has always been deeply proud of its rich local heritage, as shown through our Maritime Futures scheme, and we work hard to provide a curriculum which broadens horizons and encourages students to invest in the world around them.“Despite the sad news of Prince Philip’s passing, I know that our students will also continue to take an active part of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards, another integral part of what the college offers.”
Sheldon: She spoke kindly and openly
Susie Sheldon, HM Lord-Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight, said,
“We were honoured to host The Princess Royal, and we are very grateful to her for coming at this time to support Youth Sailing, which was so much part of The Duke of Edinburgh’s interests.
“She spoke kindly and openly with all the students who did extremely well, especially as meeting royalty can cause nervous moments.
“A special congratulations should also go to Kristian, whose enthusiasm, willingness to learn, kindness and general demeanour made him a worthy recipient of the Polly Birch award.”
“A delight” to meet Princess Royal
Sneha Sanyal, who attends the college, said,
“It was an invigorating opportunity, and a very exciting day. I would like to carry on sailing. Meeting The Princess Royal was a delight.”
Fellow student, Kristian Schafer, said,
“It was a really enjoyable day, I was proud to win the Polly Birch award and The Princess Royal was very enthusiastic about sailing.”
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
