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The children plan to
use Jonny’s journey in conjunction with their current curriculum; so in
Mathematics they will be using essential calculations for speed and map
work, Geography to follow the race course, ICT for computer navigation,
English for reporting, Science to explore the necessity of healthy
eating and a balanced diet, and Woodwork to make models of the yacht
with real sail cloth.
Jonny,
together with Artemis Technical Director and designer Simon
Rogers, recently visited the school to introduce them to the campaign
where they described to the children what it is like to race an Open 60
single-handed over a total of 85 days. The children were fascinated with
the concept of an Auto-Pilot which steers the boat whilst Jonny sleeps,
and slightly less enthusiastic about the packets of dried food that will
sustain him, or the lack of a comfortable berth for sleeping…..no duvets
or pillows??!! Part of this introduction also involved the children
trying on Jonny’s foul weather sailing gear and survival suit, both
vital parts of equipment.
The
second part of the children’s programme involved a recent trip to Ocean
Village in Southampton where the current Artemis 60 is berthed.
This gave the children the chance to see the boat in the flesh as well
as the living conditions onboard a grand prix race boat. Jonny also
explained from the navigation station below, how he will communicate
with the outside World whilst at sea for months on his own. After half
term their journey continues, with a visit to Rogers Yacht Design where
they can get a taste of how a new design emerges and then to the boat
yard to see the new design currently under construction.
“Such a
great opportunity happening on the children’s doorstep simply could not
be missed. As well as being a very exciting project for them to follow,
it also embraces a wide variety of subject areas,” said Simon Rogers.
“So the children will be able to see education and learning coming to
life in a highly practical way, which is undoubtedly ‘inspiring’. They
will also be amongst some of the first people in the World to see the
Artemis Open 60 as she develops. Many of our competitors would give
their eye teeth to see what we are up to, in exactly the same way as
they would do in Formula 1 racing!”
Patrick
Holly and Billy Chapman, both aged seven-years, thought the talk was
“Fantastic!”. “I liked being able to look at and feel all the ropes and
it was very good when Jonny’s life jacket blew up,” said Billy.
We
would like to thank The Royal Lymington Yacht Club, who supplied all
lifejackets, and Sanders Sails, who have supplied sailcloth material for
sail of the boats, which the children’s will be making in their woodwork
class.
October
2007 |
