International Award
Quick Links: Expedition | Physical | Skill | Volunteer
Photo shows some of the International Award expedition winners in 2009
The International Award is part of the Duke of Edinburgh´s Award which was introduced in the UK in 1956. There are currently about 400,000 participants in the scheme worldwide.
The award programme is about challenge and gives students the opportunity to accept challenge and set personal goals and achieve them. They will learn valuable skills such as responsibility, trust, and the ability to plan and organize themselves.
Each year the Regatta Sailing Academy offers eligible students the opportunity to participate in its sailing expeditions at Bronze, Silver or Gold levels. Although Bronze to Bahrain still remains a popular option, the academy has introduced a Bronze sailing expedition to Al Sultan Beach Resort, Al Khor for those students preferring a shorter voyage within Qatar; this includes an overnight stay at the resort. Gold level expeditions are into Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Every interested participant purchases an Award Record Book from their school which is signed off on completion of their achievement. Participants on the sailing expeditions maintain their own log/record of events on their journey – photographs can be used as part of the log.
Sailing Expedition
Sailing for the International Award expedition is a unique adventure; students learn to work together as a team, at the same time learning a new skill. Groups are split into teams; they start with a minimum of five three-hour practice sessions covering all aspects of yacht sailing, wind and tide, safety and control to include man overboard as well as chart and instrument navigation. Students venturing to UAE or Bahrain will have one evening session for night sailing experience prior to expedition departure.
Prior to departure, there will be a meeting to brief parents/students on immigration procedures, what to wear, what to bring, suggested spending money etc.
For any concerned parents it should be noted that students are supervised by Christine and Mike Lawton. In Bahrain for example, Yacht Club staff are aware of our rules, although students are given the freedom to relax and enjoy the facilities at set times. Accommodation in Bahrain is at Al Bander resort next door to the Yacht Club; there is a pool, bowling and snooker centre. Chalet accommodation consists of three or four bedrooms with showers/bathrooms – boys separate from girls. The Yacht Club/Resort is situated in Sitra some 20k from the centre of Bahrain (students are not permitted to wander outside of the resort; our special entry visas restrict us to this area. Dinner and full breakfast are taken at Bahrain Yacht Club.
Bronze to Al Khor - QR 2750
Price includes:
- Return Trip
- Transfer
- Dinner, bed and breakfast as described above
Bronze/Silver To Bahrain - QR 3500
Sailing approximately 24 hours in each direction by sea; one day and a night in the club/resort = 72 hrs. Those having sailed to Bahrain for Bronze and wishing to undertake a Sailing Expedition for Silver may sail to UAE at the same cost as the Gold Award- Gold Award to UAE: approximately 4/5 days.
Price includes:- Learning to sail, structured as above
- Full provisions on board
- Dinner, bed and breakfast, lunch.
- Accommodation (includes bed linen and towels)
- Clearance and Immigration paperwork and entry visas. (Note: some nationalities may require special clearance - extra charges will apply)
Silver Gold to UAE - QR 3950
Award students sailing to UAE stay at the Hilton Corniche Apartments overlooking the sea, a short minibus transfer from yacht mooring; two or three bedded serviced rooms are available to us, each will full facilities. Students may relax in their free time at the gym or rooftop pool. Dinner and breakfast at the Hilton Corniche restaurant - lunch on arrival in the coffee shop.
Price includes:
- Learning to sail, structured as above
- Full provisions on board
- Dinner, bed and breakfast, lunch.
- Accommodation (includes bed linen and towels)
- Clearance and Immigration paperwork and entry visas. (Note: some nationalities may require special clearance - extra charges will apply)
Sailing as a Physical Activity - QR 1600
For students taking a different expedition but wanting to take sailing as a physical activity. Theis entails sailing within the Regatta Sailing Academy's group structured courses for two terms - one afternoon a week.
Sailing as a Skill - QR 1600
New for 2011: Navigation classes - 12 weeks covering coastal navigation theory.
Voluntary Service
Places available some weekday afternoons or weekends for those wishing to undertake their voluntary service at the Regatta Sailing Academy - helping younger children with their boats and buoyancy aids, etc.
