Pool Academy’s Principal made the most of her summer break by going back to the classroom and becoming

a fully qualified Day Skipper.

Claire Meakin has been at the helm of Pool Academy for a year now but this term she can also charter a yacht

almost anywhere in the world.

To get the qualification she had to successfully complete a week of theory lessons demonstrating skills including

map reading and knowing about weather conditions. She then took to the waters for five days of practical

sessions.

Miss Meakin said: “Over the last few years I have been learning to sail on the weekends. I could sail as a crew

member but realised I wanted to know that if anything went wrong I could take control of the boat myself.

“I have been talking about doing it for the last few years so I decided to go for it this summer.

“During the practical sessions I was on the sea all day every day and I also took part in some night sailing as well.

“Working towards the qualification was really interesting. It also illustrated the importance of maths and geography - you have to apply them practically to sailing for weather conditions and map work.

“It was really exciting to train for the qualification.”

Miss Meakin said she will be continuing to sail until the boats have to be stored away for winter. She may also

be seen training in the school’s new fitness suite to gain more strength to control yacht sails.

She said: “I’ve realised I need to be strong to be on the boat so I may need to ask the PE department to give me

some strength training.”