Middle-school students took to the seas this week on board the Bermuda Sloop Foundation’s training vessel, the Spirit of Bermuda.

A team of youngsters from Dellwood Middle School embarked on Monday on their four-day expedition in and around Bermuda.

The trip marked the first of four weekly expeditions by Dellwood pupils, to be followed by four weeks with Sandys Secondary Middle School during November and December.

Covid-19 health and safety guidelines are in place for pupils and crew.

The fourth day will feature a field trip to Burt’s Island in St George’s with the charity Waterstart, dedicated to environmental awareness and personal growth through outdoor education.

The schoolchildren will take part in sustainability projects including woodland restoration, organic gardening, aquaculture and seagrass restoration.

Robin Hamill, the chief executive of the Bermuda Sloop Foundation, said every expedition combined learning by experience with basic sail training. Mr Hamill said partnerships with other charities had helped boost the value of the voyages for pupils.

The programme includes science, technology, engineering, arts and maths education, social studies, and social and emotional learning.

Mr Hamill added: “The crew look forward to welcoming student crews and continuing our 2020 youth development programmes on the Spirit of Bermuda.

“We’ve already had 96 students participate in expeditions through the summer, developing academic and character-building skills while on board.”

Mr Hamill thanked the Ministry of Education, along with donors, sponsors and supporters for their “vital” support.