"Next Wave" in Oban, 6th - 10th August '07
H2O chartered the "Next Wave" from YWAM (Youth With A Mission) giving over 30 young people from the Oban community the opportunity to experience life on a sail training ship alongside crew members from North America and Europe.
Accompanied by the H2O youth work team, the main focus of the week was a three-day sail around Mull, setting off towards Iona on Day 1, docking close to Tobermory by the end of day 2 and returning to Oban on day 3.
Adopted crew members from Oban and the surrounding area, the majority of whom had never experienced this type of opportunity before, were to encounter a full spectrum of weather types and sailing experiences.
On day 1, one of the adopted crew was heard to say that if the weather didn't change, he would be getting off at Iona. By day 3 he didn't want to go ashore and signed up for the day sail the next day.
From hoisting the sails to scrubbing the decks, the "crew" gained numerous new skills through an abundance of fresh experiences. The benefits for individuals or groups of young people through the experience of any residential experience can never be underestimated. To travel together for three days primarily within the confines of a ship such as the "Next Wave" is a tremendous residential opportunity. Young people and workers alike had no option but to work together as a team, to communicate, to socialise and to grow.
"It was different, living on the ship was hard work and tiring but cool with regular merriment, a once in a lifetime experience."
Angus age 15.
"I got a lot from being on the Next Wave. The people were easy to talk to and it made me feel really happy. There were so many different types of people and they were all so nice."
Eilidh age 14.