Steiner school’s report of Queen Galadriel adventure

Our dear Class 8 set sail abord Queen Galadriel, a beautiful ketch operated by The Cirdan Sailing Trust. For five days and four nights they lived at sea – sailing, cooking, eating and sleeping together. For many, it was their first experience on a large sailing vessel.

After a tour of the boat and a thorough safety briefing, they cast off from Ipswich Beacon Harbour and sailed down the River Orwell, following its calm, winding waters until they reached the mouth of the Stour, whey they moored for the night. The following day, they headed out into the Channel and spent the next three days sailing the coast – down and then back up again.

During those days the children climbed the bowsprit, went up the rigging, learned how to tie knots, saw wild seals, helped operate the boat, rowed the tender, grew closer as shipmates, and even went ashore once at Brightlingsea for a well-earned fish and chips dinner.

The boat was crewed by seasoned sailors from the Trust, who patiently guided the children through every aspect of life onboard. They quickly fell into the rhythm of the sea: waking at 6.30, preparing breakfast by 7.30, then heading up on deck to scrub, haul ropes, and raise the sails. Lunch was prepared and eaten around 1.30, with dinner usually serviced at 7.00. Every meal was cooked by the children themselves, and all cleaning was their responsibility too.

Each child belonged to a ‘watch’ of three, following a strict rota that kept the ship running smoothly. On board, the captain’s word was absolute – when she gave an order, everyone moved without hesitation. At times, they had to act first and ask questions later. Aboard a vessel like the Queen Galadriel, safety is paramount, and the captain carries full responsibility for the wellbeing and coordination of her crew.

By Friday they were sailing back up the River Orwell toward Ipswich, older, wiser, and with a newfound confidence in themselves. The journey had tested their strength, teamwork and resilience, but it had also filled them with joy and pride. The train ride home was a welcome pause; a quiet stretch of land-bound calm for an exhausted but deeply satisfied crew.