The rigid timetable was something that improved my organisational skills, as it helped me and everyone in the crew to be more tranquil and on time, although I was late various time; I became highly resilient as I realised that perhaps changing my sleeping schedules and my sleeping time was the best option, which allowed me to learn that change and adaptation is the skill that I also gained whilst also being resilient. It also influenced my independence, having to wake up at a certain time, have breakfast, go to a watch, eat lunch, do an activity, do another watch , have dinner, all of this was on everyone individually being on time and looking out for any nearby boats was independently done then such information would be shared within your group. The skills I have learnt include, adaptation, adapting to a new environment and people you’ve never interacted with, Change, Time management, as there was a schedule to be met. Lastly, decision making, like deciding who would be the best suitor to present our ideas to the crew.
Osaruonamen Olawuni Koroma – Trainee, 2025
I just feel that I learned more things through the trip whether it was basic tasks or stuff that is done on the ship alone which showed to myself that I can do a lot of things and changed my view of myself. It made me have to be in the right place at the right time and be much more prepared than in my normal daily life which helped me improve coming out of the trip as I can bring that routine into my normal life. I learnt all about how these ships work and function and how to help out in doing various tasks on the ship in order to keep it running smoothly.
Anthony Murphy – Trainee, 2025
Everyone is learning something completely new for the first time so I guess you could say were all in the same boat.
Emem Itoro – Trainee, 2025
My time management skills have improved significantly, this is because before I would not have notion of time and would let things go by. After being in the boat I have learned to be more in the present and do things with purpose rather than just doing it because I have to do it, moments are precious. After being 10 days at sea I have also realised that I don’t necessarily need my mom by my side for everything, I don’t miss my friends at school like I thought I would. I think I found a piece of me that yearns for inner piece, solitude. A place in me was found thanks to this trip. So in some ways I believe I have found the independence I thought I had. Furthermore, it also thought me how to be more resilient and increase my endurance to hard tasks and seeing them in steps. For example at school when class gets boring I think to my self one hour is nothing compared to the cold and winds we endured in the 4 hours watch.
Osaruese Koroma – Trainee, 2025
I had to come out of my comfort zone a lot more. I did not initially have a fear of heights but I was nervous about climbing, but after I climbed, I thought it was quite easy and fun. I think I am more organised in my planning and using my time more wisely. I have learnt how to handle ropes and sailor terminology, such as making fast, haul, ease, and come up. I have also learnt how to steer at the helm and the process to take when taking over the course, as well as how the captain navigates the ship. I also learnt the schedule a typical sailor would have. I have learnt the different roles sailors have such as the bosun, mate, captain, and general voyage crew.
Victoria Douglas – Trainee, 2025
Spending 10 days with other people I was not close with made me realise that meeting strangers isn’t a bad thing at all and that you can learn multiple things from other people’s perspectives. I have learnt how to expand my communication skills. I have learnt that communicating with everyone creates more of a positive environment rather than just being close with a couple of people.
Sanjpreet Kaur – Trainee, 2025
It increased my resilience and independence by having to do watches overnight, and increased my organisational skills by having to get myself ready multiple times a day at specific times.
Sofia Jones – Trainee, 2025
The voyage has taught me to adapt quickly and efficiently to new environments and that worrying isn’t a weakness unless you let it consume you. Prior to the trip I was nervous about climbing up until the point I was harnessed in but getting to the top platform shower me that my resilience was all worth it in the end and I can confidently say I will apply this mentality to my everyday life in the future.
Iyad Tarabiea – Trainee, 2025
After climbing the ship up to the sails I was less afraid of heights, although I never really had problems with being up high I think managing to climb so high safely has gave me some security. I am now less worried about meeting strangers as I was able to talk to people that I have never met before this trip. I was place in mesh duty with 2 others that are from another school which has allowed me to communicate and socialise with them. The rainy and rough weather of the first night and during one other day has made me slightly more worried about severe weather out at sea however it was worth the experience. In some way the ship has increased my resilience since the first night I was really seasick and I thought I was not going to participate much on the rest of the trip due to it, however I was able to get through it by patience and eventually get over it. I have also learnt to be independent and take care of problems myself without having to rely on others by doing my part in which I’m good at allow others to do their part during watch. I was able to develop my organisational skills when we participated in the inter watch competitions in design wind turbines as I was able to organise myself to creating a design for the team who everyone else having their own roles. I’ve learnt a lot of sailing skills such as handling the ropes to set the sails or releasing the life boat, helming the ship, tying 5 different knots for different purposes on the ship and learn how to report things in the distance to other members of the ship. I’ve also developed my domestic skills such as cleaning by washing many dishes at once and cleaning the tables of the mesh room. I’ve also learnt more about marine biology and different identifications of planktons with the scientist on board and through the trip to the University.
Carmen Xu – Trainee, 2025
After working together as a team I feel like my social anxiety has eased and realised its very easy for myself to work well in a team. It has made me think quicker as well as inspired me to try harder and persevere when times were tough.
Andrew Yu – Trainee, 2025
It was the best opportunity I have ever had. The science was so interesting, seeing the impacts we have on the oceans which we don’t see first hand on land. The sail training was so exciting. The crew were all so fun and good to be around. The cooking was good fun too. And the helming the ship was stressful but also really fun. I feel so much more positive, everything feels so much less overwhelming. I feel so calm and so much happier than I have been for so many years. It was such a privilege to be on the boat, thank you for the opportunity of a lifetime. Thank you.
Poppy Harrison-Shearer – Trainee, 2024
It I really enjoyed the views and social interactions during down time. Alina was my team leader and she was amazing. So knowledgeable and encouraging. I loved working with her. Janice was amazing, her knowledge and supportive nature was incredible. I enjoyed all my interactions with Janice and found her very refreshing. During my shifts with Dan I enjoyed everyone. He was again very supportive and encouraging, his knowledge and positive nature made each shift enjoyable. Dan was patient and understanding of each persons understanding of the voyage. I loved working with Dan. I feel more confident in my ability to try new experiences.
Leah – Mentor from Activate, 2024
I loved how we all worked together and the experience at sea made it amazing. Since the voyage all I’ve thought about is the next one! Hopefully it’ll help me make a career for myself on boats or ships. I had high expectations and they exceeded them.
Shea Clarke – Trainee, 2024
I am more confident , and have a more positive mindset on my future. I really enjoyed having the opportunity to push myself far out of my comfort zone. I will definitely use the skills I have developed in my future career, and hopefully volunteer on the boat in the future as well.
Ruby-Mae Jessep – Trainee, 2024
I really enjoyed coming out of my comfort zone and making friends. I have been less anxious and am able to overcome challenges. I’ll use my mindset for future challenges. It was less scary than imagined.
Shantaya Fairclough – Trainee, 2024
I think I have become more confident in talking to people and presenting ideas to them. It has also made me a lot more interested in sailing and strange marine life that is in our oceans. I would like to sail again and learn more skills. Potentially, I would like to volunteer as a crew member on a ship one day. I throughly enjoyed the experience, especially when we got to put the sails up. Unfortunately we did not have a lot of wind. The ocean science was really interesting and I learned about some completely new ideas and creatures.
Darcy – Trainee, 2024
The whole atmosphere of the voyage was incredible. The staff were first class and I would gladly go on another voyage.
Charlie Davies – Trainee, 2024
Definitely helped me with English, also it’s great experience and I have better point of view on climate change and ocean pollution.
Květa Bouchalová – Trainee, 2024
The most memorable moment of POL was a conversation I had with scientist/mentor Jeremy. It was something like 2 hours of us talking about life and its hardships but he gave some advice that has stuck with me since. In short, he told me that if I want to make something of myself it’s up to me to do it. I have had these types of conversations with teachers, friends and adults for years now and it’s always felt like people were worrying about me when I was just trying to take things easy. It was something about how he worded it that this time it genuinely hit me that I need to stop messing around and if I want to do something of any significance it’s in my hands. I told Jeremy after his big lecture to me that it changed my life. We shook hands, then teared up, then hugged and cried and I felt truly noticed. And I hope Jeremy feels pride in the fact that he really did change my life. Because of this memorable moment I have since had tunnel vision on my exams this year, my professional career, relationships with family and friends and myself as a person. All this motivation is focused on bettering myself and the things important to me. It also taught me that the things I can’t control, I can’t control. This seems obvious but I finally realised that I have to do exams or I have to face my fears or I have to own up when I’ve done wrong instead of controlling the consequences. This trip gave me a sense of clarity about what’s truly important and what I can do to keep things going in the right direction.
Jacob – Trainee, 2023
I am very thankful to have been invited on the Pelican tall ship. I made new friends that I hope I will keep in contact with for life. I enjoyed putting up the sails and being on watch, minus the sea-sickness at 3am. There were even two scientists onboard that taught us a lot, one of them was a shark scientist and took us to the Isle of Man shore to look for shark and sting ray eggs. I also enjoyed the different jobs around the ship. I will never forget the opportunity and I am blessed to have been on this once in a lifetime trip.
Chloe Cowsill – Trainee, 2023
I really enjoyed the experience of the Pelican as it taught me skills on sailing, taught me to be independent with tasks. I like how the staff treated us with respect and trusted us to do big jobs and do things ourselves. I feel like I learned a lot of key skills in terms of sailing such as steering, pulling the ropes and how a ship works in general.
It was also a great chance to make new friends which I did. Having friends on the boat meant it was fun to carry out jobs and watches. We could support and encourage each other when it got hard. I also made friends with the staff which was nice as it meant they trusted us and got to know us better.
One of the main things I enjoyed was how everyone felt like a community when we worked together. Feeling like that meant we could work well and fast on the boat and use our strengths to help each other. Overall, I think the Pelican sailing trip was a brilliant experience on working on boats, becoming independent and making friends. I would definitely recommend it to people who are looking for an exciting, thrilling experience.
Rose Yearnshire – Trainee, 2023
Hi my name is Harvey Henderson (17) and I was a trainee onboard Pelican of London for 10 days on a stem voyage. I didn’t expect to be on this voyage but like most things in life they get thrown into your hands and you must grab the opportunity so I set off with my bags (and some anxiety) and I boarded the Pelican where I was greeted by the kindest of crew you could ask for, I was show to my cabin and made to feel at home. Throughout the week I was pushed by the crew to achieve great things although I didn’t make it up the mast they encouraged me out to the bowsprit and work there instead which was an awesome experience! I hope to volunteer with Pelican of London to give other young adults, like me, an experience of a lifetime. I would like to say a big thank you Janice and Shelly for making my time aboard extra special.
Harvey Henderson – Trainee, 2023
I enjoyed learning the new skills on the boat especially knots, talking to others and learning to over come problems and adapt to the sickness. I felt my confidence increased. I found the experience really useful and I think it provided me with lots of useful skills that I will use in my career such problem solving, team work, adapting to a situation, and commitment.
Trainee, 2023
I think my most memorable moment was when I was at the helm of the ship, it gave me a sense of purpose and trusted with responsibility. Then, all of a sudden many dolphins appeared out of nowhere and started jumping out of the water as they swam behind the ship. I felt they were interacting with me, making me part of their world. I was filled with joy and happiness. It was such an amazing experience, one I can’t ever imagine will happen again. I think I have become more confident in associating with completely new people and collaborating with them. I believe this will have such a positive impact on my future. I feel it will enable me to communicate more comfortably with people at university, as well as working with a team when studying medicine. I would recommend it to other students as it will prepare you for life! Giving valuable experience that is unique to this trip. It’s not just about learning about living on a boat, but the new things you learn about yourself. It’s also about the people, the other students, the staff and the professionals on board. A highlight of this was talking and learning from the ship’s Dr, who introduced me to various pieces of equipment that are on board a ship; including diagnostic tests for various common illnesses on board a ship. I will treasure and remember this trip for the rest of my life, it has meant so much to me.
Kornel – Trainee, 2023
I suggest this to anyone and everyone who has the chance. I loved this experience so much that I intend to volunteer on the boat when I turn 18, on top of this this moment will potentially cause the success of my dream job of being a marine biologist and for that I thank you for the opportunity.
Eli – Trainee, 2023
Jacob had the best 10 days, and he worked harder than he ever has! He came back with a new mature attitude and is really trying to focus on his school work and his future. This was mainly due to the excellent mentors on board I would highly recommend this opportunity to anyone. Thank you, his trip gave me a sense of clarity about what’s truly important and what I can do to keep things going in the right direction.
Caroline L – Parent, 2023
I really enjoyed: people, positive attitude, dedication, responsible attitude of everyone, everyone was happy to explain or help etc. First time in the last 20 years did not feel like foreigner.
Inese V – Trainee, 2023
Since the voyage I have found it easier to communicate with people I wouldn’t usually speak to. I’ve become more confident in climbing as I got half way up. My fears of thinking the boat will sink have disappeared. I would recommend this to anyone who could take part as it was one of the best experiences of my life and I wish that I could experience that again. I’m going to apply to be a volunteer next year.
Keanu – Trainee, 2023
I intend to use the skills of teamwork and responsibility I have gained for my future and to use this voyage in my future CV.
Samuel M – Trainee, 2023
Sailing with the Pelican has been a fantastic experience – I was initially a little nervous, as I haven’t had a real gritty adventure since pre-covid Girl Guide camps, let alone tackled seasickness, sailing, or really anything of the sort, but with such a fantastic, competent, and reassuring professional crew, there’s a lot of room for learning and growth. I also found myself enjoying, and halfway decent at, manning the helm – surprising as I haven’t even sat my drivers theory test, but can be trusted at the wheel of a vessel! I’m rather sad that the adventure is nearly over, but delighted to have had the opportunity to try new things, meet new people, and visit new places.
Méabh L – Trainee, 2023
The navigation and wind lessons were a very useful application in the real world application of mathematical concepts. The experience has given me a better appreciation for some of the vessels that I work on.
Michael S – Trainee, 2023
I enjoyed being able to work with a large group of young people over a prolonged period of time. This meant that the ocean/shark science activities could be spread out, less intense meaning each one could be targeted and adapted to the group. I also really enjoyed how quickly you go from strangers to friends while on the boat. I think living so closely with others and the need to work as a team to perform tasks means you get to know each other quickly and make good bonds.
Mark Packer – The Shark Trust, 2023
I will certainly integrate the experience in my daily work and professional life. The voyage has been a great life metaphor, which helped to identify challenges and way to overcome them as a result of hard work, great leadership and teamwork. I do believe it had such an impact on my understanding of the importance of teamwork for achieving results in life. In addition to this, having witnessed great examples of leadership, especially women leadership (first mate and second mate, bosun), it will contribute to stronger confidence in those work environments mostly led by men figures..
Isabella C – Trainee, 2023
I want to say a massive thank you for everyone who was involved in allowing Ollie to have this amazing experience. He really loved it. He gained so much invaluable experience and knowledge. He was allowed to be a lot more independent which has given him more confidence. But I think the biggest gain was working and building relationships with people of all different ages, experience and walks of life. He talked and got to know people that he would not of been given the opportunity to do so before now. He listened and took on board their differences and also what that had experienced and learned from life. Hopefully he will take on this knowledge and new confidence as he goes through the next stages in his life.
Parent, 2023
I will use the teamwork skills to work in a team and indulge in more sociable interests with the social skills I learnt. I will also use the social skills I learnt to be able to work with others.
Suzanne C – Trainee, 2023
I had so much fun on the voyage, I bonded with some people I would never have normally spoken to that I now speak to every day in school. The staff on the boat were so kind and absolutely amazing people!! I would 100% do it again and would recommend it to others. I really had the best experience.
Keira – Trainee, 2023
I really enjoyed this new experience. I had never been sailing on a tall ship before, and for me, it was great to make science from there. During our voyage, we spotted many dolphins and seabirds, it was very beautiful. Despite being a foreign volunteer for just one week, all the crew treated me like another professional crew member, there’s a really good atmosphere.
Helena – Scientist in Residence, 2022
Being on board the Pelican for 5 weeks during the summer has been a very uplifting experience for me. I have enjoyed the time immensely. I feel that I have learned a lot, from the sailing to the marine biology lessons. I have also gained confidence by teaching and helping others on board, I now have a greater understanding of other people’s abilities and strengths. We all learn at different rates, some people pick it up 1st time while others need to be shown several times, patience and understanding are key. I am very grateful for the opportunity I was given and will carry it with me as one of my greatest achievements so far. Thank you to all of the crew aboard the Pelican of London and the onshore staff. Thanks to Simon Thorrington who kept in contact with my parents throughout. Fair winds and following seas.
Ben Walker – Trainee, 2022
I think that the voyage helped massively when it comes to my socialising ability. Before the voyage, I would be nervous talking to people who I didn’t know. I’ve noticed that since I’ve been back, I’m able to talk to people with more ease.
Abi – Trainee, 2022
I have been on two Pelican Voyages; I thoroughly enjoyed them both. The first trip I did was only a week and I was very nervous about it plus it took me a couple of days to get into the routine of the ship. The second trip I did was for two weeks which I enjoyed a lot more as I got used to the routine quicker because I knew what I was doing. I also felt a lot more involved with the crew and was doing a lot more around the ship like fixing an anchor light. It helped my confidence generally and I thoroughly enjoyed my time on Pelican and would go on there again.
Matilda Lauderdale – Trainee, 2022
I have now made friends for life. The time spent together in the mess room bonding and riding out the free time was an amazing experience. I really enjoyed exploring new places with new friends and getting to see the milky way.
Lucy – Trainee, 2022
I enjoyed visiting new places and I now have a better understanding of other jobs in a career at sea.
Matilda – Trainee, 2022
Ben’s Father and I (and Ben’s headteacher) feel that Ben has been given the opportunity of a lifetime, things like this don’t happen often. I hope he’s learning a lot and working hard, he’s a good lad, model pupil, excellent cadet and he really deserves it. I’m very proud of my son and all he has achieved so far, and I strongly believe that being on board the Pelican has helped him with his growth and maturity.
Lynsey Walker – Parent, 2022
Being onboard Pelican, being integrated into both the professional crew and voyage crew with young people I really enjoyed. It is fifteen years since I have spent time at sea. It was fabulous to be back in such a welcoming and supportive, fun environment. Thanks for the opportunity.
Yvonne Blood – Trainee and Parent, 2022
I really enjoyed climbing up the main mast and stowing the sails. I enjoyed being on the topsail yard, as having to tie the knots was very enjoyable. The view whilst moving on the yard is unbelievable and I wish I could do it again one day.
Abigail Thorn – Trainee, 2022
Being on the helm for the first time was extremely nerve-wracking and stressful – you are guiding an entire tall ship full of people. I mean, it’s not a hard job, but … having the responsibility to do that is amazing. That night I learned how to sail by using a compass and it was so incredible.
Lucy – Trainee, 2022
Something I really enjoyed was putting the sails up to go sailing because you get to go out on the shrouds and see the lovely view.
Aaliya Barr – Trainee, 2022
Sailing with Pelican of London was a really incredible experience; I loved learning how to sail and meeting a group of exceptionally hard-working people from a whole range of backgrounds and disciplines. Life on the ship teaches you so many values, and also shows you how each person has an integral role. It also helps you prove to yourself how much tenacity you actually have! The Pelican is a beautiful ship – my first tall ship, close to my heart – and I hope to sail on her in the future exploring different seas.
Esther Bancroft – Scientist in Residence, 2022
I really enjoyed:
-Singing sea shanties with my watch when we were sailing and I was on the helm.
-playing Uno and listening to music at night with people on the boat.
-seeing dolphins and whales
-seeing shooting stars, meteorites and the milky way at night on watch.
Trinity Johnston – Trainee, 2022
I got out of my comfort zone and I also faced my fear of heights.
Undja – Trainee, 2022
I enjoyed experiencing the stunning landscape and biodiversity on the trip. Being with a varied group of people. Seeing young people’s passion for the ocean and science evolve. Being so connected to the weather and water.
Jas Tribe – City to Sea Scientist, 2022
It was great being away from normal life for so long and making lifelong friends. Constantly being outside very much helped my mental health.
Rachel Georgiou – Scientist in Residence, 2022
The sailing experience has given me the confidence to work with others and improve my leadership. I am hoping to join the Royal Navy and so developing these skills in a maritime environment is fantastic.
Toby Horne – Trainee, 2022
I enjoyed being at sea for the first time and having the opportunity to helm a Tall Ship while under sail. I also enjoyed meeting the professional crew and learning lots of new skills. Everyone was very friendly and we worked well together as a team. I am hoping to pursue a Maritime Career in the future and following my experience on Pelican, I would ideally like to work aboard Tall Ships.
Oliver Hirst – Trainee, 2022
I’m more confident meeting new people, and I’m much better at working as a team – useful for future careers.
Dan Hogg – Trainee, 2022
I really enjoyed meeting a broad range of people on the voyage, learning about sailing and helping teach ocean science. The crew were fantastic. The diving of course was amazing too. Such beautiful weather really helped as well.
Kerry MacKay – Trainee, 2022
I had such an incredible experience and I’d like to thank everyone involved. I had so much fun meeting new people, trying new things and learning all about sailing. I am definitely thinking about going again next year or looking at longer voyages.
Saffie Clark – Trainee, 2021
This experience has made me consider spending more time on tall ships and boats, potentially working on them. In terms of education, I have become more interested in the study of ocean science and I want to find out more.
Saffie – Trainee, 2021
He has told us lots about the experience and really did enjoy himself. I’ve also noticed that he hasn’t worn his hoodie with the hood up since he arrived home. It was his default comfort position! So, from a parental point of view he seems a lot more confident in himself, he’s more relaxed and he is less worried about making mistakes – less defensive. He can see that others make mistakes so it’s not just him, and that’s ok.
Trainee, 2021
Everyone onboard was very friendly and it was interesting talking to the crew about some of the other ships they have sailed on. I really enjoyed climbing the rigging even though I was worried about it to begin with.
Oliver – Trainee, 2021
While I don’t think a maritime career is something I necessarily want to pursue, the team working skills I have gained will be useful across all kinds of jobs that I might follow in life. I learnt many skills such as problem solving and teamwork which will certainly come in useful as I continue my education.
May – Trainee, 2021
I enjoyed the sailing life just being at sea as well as the activities like climbing the mast. I also thoroughly enjoyed meeting new people and the fact we all were going through the same emotions so we could support each other and enjoy it together. It has made me want to continue and I’m looking at maybe completing a RYA course to get qualified in sailing as well as joining my local sailing club.
Lily – Trainee, 2021
I got stuck in with real work and taking on real responsibility, where in day to day life this really doesn’t happen. This experience has helped me to get to know others who otherwise I would never have socialised with even if they lived just down the road. I am considering a career in sail training and I am actively pursuing this, this is partly down to my time spent on TS Pelican on this voyage.
Jack – Trainee, 2021
I learnt so much in such a short space of time, I liked the challenges I faced and the sense of purpose and responsibility.
Hannah – Trainee, 2021
Every member of the crew was absolutely fantastic and made me feel nothing but welcome and at ease with tasks I needed assistance on. I loved feeling like I could contribute to everyday operations such as being a lookout, helming, galley duty, etc and how every professional crew member respected the boundaries of what I was comfortable with doing (turns out I don’t like climbing high) and helped me when I needed instructions to be repeated.
Kelsey – Trainee, 2021
My experience in helping the engineers, on the Pelican, has led me to consider a career in maritime engineering.
Flynn – Trainee, 2021
As a marine biologist and Darwin leader, the Darwin 200 UK voyage provided an opportunity like no other. I was fortunate to have been on the 2020 voyage for both legs of the expedition circumnavigating our island nation and what an experience it was! Sailing and science go hand in hand and really provided a unique platform for both education and conservation science. During the voyage an array of projects were undertaken by budding young scientists and sailors alike and provided crucial data to academia and conservation organisations, notably over 100 observations and recordings of marine mammals and mega fauna. I will forever cherish my time onboard the Pelican of London and thank the crew and Darwin team for making this such a special experience. Following on from the UK voyage, I have high hopes for the opportunities the global voyage will provide to the next generation of Darwin leaders and conservationists.
Joe – Trainee, 2020
It was one of the best experiences of my life so far. It’s so intense being out on a boat for a week with people you don’t know but I’m after making friendships that I know will last a long time. I’d do it again in a heartbeat
Sail Training Ireland Trainee, 2019
Amazing vessel, amazing people, they give me such great opportunities and I am very thankful! Starting my Naval engineer training in February 2018!
Jacob – Trainee, 2018
It might be tough, lack of sleep, taking part in the watch-system, pulling ropes, taking the helm, climbing the mast(s) – but you can be sure when leaving the Pelican at your final port of call you will feel like a sailor, or rather you will BE a sailor – go for it!
Tim – Trainee, 2017