Tan Gwyllt Explorer Scouts Sponsored Mast Climb
On Saturday 23rd June 2007, The Tan Gwyllt Explorer Scouts arrived at Cardiff Bay to take part in a Sponsored Mast Climb, on the Stavros S Niarchos owned by The Tall Ships Youth Trust. The money raised will go towards funding future voyages for young people. The Tall Ships Youth Trust owns 2 magnificent 60 metre square-rigged ships, Stavros S Niarchos and the Prince William and offer Tall Ship Adventure Sailing voyages both in the UK and Abroad.
The Tan Gwyllt Explorer Scouts met up
at Cardiff bay for the Mast Climb, District Commissioner, David Pollard
(Polly) and Tilly (ADC Cubs) also came along. All Explorers who took
part successfully climbed a height of 60ft.
Explorers were fitted with harnesses and received a safety talk about the climb from the Ships Captain. The initial part of the Climb was gentle but safety ropes were attached to climb the vertical rope ladder which was very difficult and needed a lot of strength.
There was a great view of the Bay from the platform, 60ft above the ground, another safety rope was then attached to cross the platform and start down the other side. At every junction of the mast climb there was a member of the crew helping and encouraging the Explorers. When all of the Explorer Scouts had completed their Sponsored Mast Climb their harnesses were handed back in and then they were taken on a tour of the ship.
After an interesting tour, showing what life aboard is really like, the Explorer Scouts made their way to the Bridge. Here an unsuspecting Katie was invested into The Tan Gwyllt Explorer Scouts by Skipper AJ and was presented with the Tan Gwyllt Explorer Scout neckerchief and badges by Nigel White. The Explorers are making a habit of holding their Investitures on ‘BRIDGES’, this is the third in a row, the first was on the PONT-CYSYLLTE AQUADUCT near Llangollen the second on NEWPORT TRANSPORTER BRIDGE and now the third on the bridge of the STAVROS S NIARCHOS.
Four members of Tan Gwyllt Explorer Scouts travelled on a tall ship voyage earlier on this year. They spent a week sailing through the Canary Isles and all enjoyed the experience so much that one of them set off on another voyage recently, taking up the challenge of the Tall Ships Race in America.
After our visit and listening to the stories of their Adventures, we are sure more will be tempted to follow in their footsteps.
To find out more about the Tall Ship Trust, first call our Newport contact Mac Pearce on [email protected] or visit www.tallships.org
