What a week it's been for the North Liverpool Academy crew aboard the Pelican! Our young voyagers have experienced a truly unforgettable journey, as documented in their own words.
What is the Pelican Of London?
The Pelican of London isn’t just a ship, it’s a place where future leaders are made, one adventure at a time.
Onboard the Pelican, young people experience more than just sailing, they become part of a supportive community, transforming from trainees into valued crew members. Through each voyage, we open doors to new opportunities, inspiring young people to dream bigger and embrace their potential. Find out more.
Student Voyage Diary
Day 1: Learning the ropes
22/06/25
Day 1 Liverpool Osaruonamen Koroma Main Watch No.8
It has definitely been one of the most interesting and entertaining weekends of my whole life. So, let me give you a sailing trip to what we’ve done on the first day.
It was incredibly early morning, as we were due to start the transportation to the Pelican Of London by 8:30am, meaning that we had to be fast and punctual. The reason why I started getting heavily ecstatic about the trip was due to the fast paced, organised and well-planned trip, as there was a system in place. We were all waiting and supporting each other and sharing laughs and a sense of unity and solidarity was strengthen even before the trip had begun. I was part of main watch and it was a solid group. It had new people and people I’ve never really talked to so it was the time to socialise and make new friends. We were all speaking to each other on the bus. Meaning we had plenty of time to kill. By 9:15, we were all onboard. With an amazing introduction of the crew members. Which such crew members were really positive, determined and happy to help us, which allowed a great mentor-mentee bond to be ignited. I even had a great conversation with the crew members of a book that I was reading, which showed that they were heavily interested in our lives and had a personal interest in what made us who we are. Which made me feel reassured and validated. It made me feel incredibly fulfilled and excited for what was going to be 10 days of my life at sea.
9:45-10:15- We were then allowed to organise our clothes, providing us with shelves, boxes, baskets and bed duvets, which showed how useful and providing they were. One of the best aspects in my opinion about the trip was the fact that we as official crew members were actually sharing a room. Although, really awkward but we actually learned from it a lot. The whole point of it was to showcase teamwork and a collective consensus in regards of decisions. This opportunity has also led me to make new friends and also talk the people I would have never expected to interact with. We helped each other and made sure our bags and packages were properly organised. This allowed me to understand the importance of togetherness and how we can achieve a goal together. Alongside this, it reduced any type of awkwardness and it allowed me to become more comfortable as I kept speaking to them.
12-12:30-Lunch was provided and it gave us a closer look to the food in the sea life. Vegetable soup with croutons really delicious and nutritious.
12:30-15:10 We then divided ourselves into the groups, as I was part of the Main Watch, we started our schedule right on time, starting with a brief overview of the ship, this was actually helpful as we got to understand how the boat works as a whole and they also provided us with a tour of the boat. Which we got to see how immense the boat itself is. Places like the messroom and the cabins were the highlights of the boat, as we were allowed to bring games on deck, which allowed different varieties of friends to engage with others, such engaging games resulted into new friendships being forged alongside the overarching goal of the ship, to be a community.
Then, we signed on with the Captain, in the saloon, the saloon itself was something so comfortable and was probably designed to be felt like a living room at home. Where I had an insightful conversation with the Captain and the medic. The Helm Lookout was the starting point of the Sea Life, we were introduced to the Second Officer. People from the group had an opportunity to stir the ship.
Seamanship with the Bosun was the fifth activity of the day which consisted of:
Coils on deck down to one turn- getting the line ready on the pin
Easing- ease the line away.
Hauling- (pulling on a line).
2-6 Heave -(when pulling on a line with a team).
Make Fast- drop the lines
Come up- tie the lines
Well!- was used to get everyone to stop immediately any activity that they are doing.
All of this terminology was really important and it was vital for us as crew members to rehearse this. So we all tried each individual actions, which I first struggled with and asked for help, and although I did = not mastered it, I still asked If I could try again, which I liked as they pushed us to be more resilient and hard working. This was significant as it allowed a progress to we’ve made.
We did lots of Safety & Meetings briefings and overall made everyone aware of their surroundings. Alongside have few breaks to rest our minds off. Which we enjoyed by playing Muffin time at 15:10-19:00.
Lastly at 19:00, we finished with the introduction of the Scientist on deck in regards of Marine Biologist, they made a great point on how the national curriculum does not provide their students with expertise on Oceanography which was what we focused on. Mammal identification was what we started with. It was a joy and a pleasure to learn about the different type of mammals and deconstruct the myth that dolphins are fish or that seals are fish or even whales. It was and something new to learn, which I gained with the workshop, Knowledge. Which in fact was my favourite out of all the activities the fact that we were learning new things. Knowledge is power and a great skill they gave us.
And from 19:00 to 22:00 we were allowed to chill and then from then on sleep.
Overall Day 1 was absolutely exceptional and fascinating. I was really weary and worried when the trip was actually coming on about, as I really struggle to look at the bigger picture. Which thankfully Miss Williams allowed me to step out of my comfort place, and thanks to this trip not only has it allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and be able to be productive but it has taught me that sometimes you need to do uncomfortable in order to find comfortability. It has taught me to look at the bigger picture. I’m really excited to see what the trip awaits.
Captains welcome onboard and plan for the voyage
Rope handlings, hauling, easing, making fast and coiling down
Emergency drill
Evening entertainment cards and Uno
Day 2: A Blustery Start and Unexpected Delays (23rd June 2025)
Alicia Ademuyiwa, Fore Watch-No.10
Woken up early at 6:30 AM for breakfast, which was split into two groups. I was slightly nervous, but we found bread, toasters, cereal, jams, and marmalades. The no-phone rule was great for conversation.
Our group was then called to help with the ropes on the Pelican. We unhooked ropes and moved sails, one group on starboard (mine) and one on port. I had to ease the sail while port side was heaving. It was tricky, but I regained control. We set sail at 8:45 AM, 20 minutes earlier than planned, with high morale.
Then we ran into a problem. The wind reached 30 knots, so we couldn't leave the dock safely without damaging the Pelican. We had to stay at a new port in the dock, which some people weren't happy about.
We chatted inside and had a briefing at 10 AM. People started climbing the ship, admiring the views despite the wind. Everyone from the mizzen group climbed, and all had positive replies, astonished by the views.
Students have learnt how to wear their harnesses correctly and following a safety brief they get to climb to the first platform (the tops) and back down the other side - known locally as the up and over.
At around 12 PM, we had cheesy pasta for dinner. Portions were large and comforting. My favourite combination was Tabasco and cheesy pasta! More people climbed, some cleaned cabins or made crafts. I found the mess room comforting and watched videos.
Around 1 PM, more people climbed, and Charlie gave us a useful and interesting talk about clouds, teaching me about different layers and the wind's influence on rain. This ended, allowing us to wind down. We played card games and watched movies. I fell asleep around 9-10 PM, but at 12 AM, the rockiness of the sea woke me – it was time for our first watch.
Day 3: Braving the Irish Sea (24th June 2025)
Riard Sekiraqa, Liverpool to Irish Sea, Fore Watch-No.9
On Day 3, we had watch from 4 AM to 8 AM, waking up half an hour before. Only half the people were outside on watch because almost everyone was sea sick, as this was our first day sailing. Only two trainees weren't sick. The weather was harsh, and steering the ship was difficult due to high winds constantly swaying us off course. I often went to the scupper holes on each side of the boat to vomit, as it's easier to clean than on deck. The rain made it worse, drenching our waterproofs, which were hard to dry. Some trainees stayed inside due to cold or sickness. The best feeling was seeing the next watch arrive to take over.
After our watch, we had breakfast, but no one could eat much due to sea sickness. The crew offered half pieces of toast, but they were left untouched. I lay down on a friend's bunk and immediately fell asleep for about 4 hours, waking up feeling like a whole new day had passed.
The staff advised us to look over the horizon if we felt sea sick, so our eyes could see we were moving. I stayed outside, and with the sun out, everyone was lying on the wooden boards, enjoying the sun and watching the clouds. Occasionally, a wave would crash on the port side, splashing everyone.
We were called for our next watch, a two-hour dog watch, from 4 PM to 6 PM. On this watch, we set the Topsail, which took about 30 minutes, then coiled all the ropes. I decided to stay awake until my next watch at midnight.
Day 4: Mess Duty, Island Exploration, and High Climbs (25th June 2025)
Students have completed their 'Happy Hour' this morning which consisted of cleaning the heads (toilets) and showers.
Osaruese Koroma, Mizzen Watch Number 3
My Day 4 started at 7 AM as the Messman, helping the cook, Janis, with dishes and serving food. On Day 3, when we started sailing, many got sea sick, including the messmen. Dishes piled up, so myself, Muataz, and Miss Williams helped out, washing, rinsing, drying, and wiping. This teamwork made me enjoy being a messman, and Day 4 was easy as I knew what to do.
Around 9 AM, we went to a rocky beach called Islay in a small RIB boat. My "Mizzen watch" went first. We wore life jackets, and Charlie, the scientist, explained we were looking for shark egg shells. I was excited but didn't find any, though I did find a smooth, small, pink rock for my collection. Back on board, we looked at shark cases and collected algae under the microscope.
Students have have been studying shark cases from the beach with a professor of marine Biology. They are studying sharks on their expedition. They also got the chance to examine Plankton under a microscope.
At 3 PM, they asked who wanted to climb, and I excitedly said yes! They called it a "once in a lifetime opportunity." I put on my harness and climbed up to the course yard, then to the Topsail to stow the sail, as we didn't need it. This was demanding, but I was good at it and didn't end up hanging by my harness. Packing the sail with others took about 2 hours, finishing by dinner time around 5 PM. I then made my announcement: "Bing Bong… dinner is served so come and dine, and as always, don’t forget to smile!" I still had galley duties until 8 PM.
Students have been working alongside the ship's cook to provide 3 meals a day for all of the crew. Each day one person from each watch works in the Galley helping to cook to prepare each meal and do the washing up.
At 8 PM, I was really tired, so I went to my cabin, watched a series on my iPad, and had a good night's sleep, ready for the next day.
Day 5: Balamory Calling and Sailing by Wind (26th June 2025)
Ryan Kelly, Main Watch Number 3
Today, Day 5, we started anchored at Staffa, near Fingal’s Cave. I woke up after my first proper full night’s sleep without any watches. I had a chaotic shower, forgetting my towel and having to devise a plan to get it! At breakfast, I had Nutella on toast, but the toaster was slow, and Miss Williams and I couldn't agree on whether to put butter on before Nutella.
After breakfast, we were told we'd go to Fingal’s Cave in the RIB. Everyone was buzzing, but the captain announced we couldn't go inside due to "white water." After an inspection, it was completely cancelled, which I was very unhappy about as it could have been a highlight.
After that, we set sail for Tobermory, which I was excited for as it’s the setting of the fictional show Balamory. It was surreal to experience it in real life after watching it as a kid.
Later, I got the opportunity to climb up to the topsail and help loosen the sail. I was nervous but decided to go for it. It was really fun watching from above, but my hands and feet ached from holding the ropes. After loosening the gaskets, I had to rewrap them using the clove hitch knot I'd just learned. It was scary due to the wind, crouching on the footrope with two others. After releasing and retying, I climbed back down to my watch. Finally, we set the outer jib, staysail T’gallant, and Trisail, and then sailed for about 3 hours with no engine power. It was much more comfortable, the ship heeled to one side instead of bouncing. It was amazing to be under the control of the wind.
On my turn at the helm, it was much harder to steer with the sails up; tiny movements made a massive difference. We stuck to a little bit into the port side, known as weather helm. After my turn, I went into the wheelhouse and took the Captain’s chair (Captain Roy was resting). I relaxed on the poop deck, looking out for buoys.
Eventually, we arrived at Tobermory, which was literally Balamory. It was so weird seeing it in real life after watching it as a kid. We anchored there for the night.
Later, Charlie, our scientist, showed us an underwater camera and equipment called "Bob" from Nortek. Bob was deployed for 12 hours to measure current, temperature, flow rate, and pressure. Finally, later that night, I FaceTimed Miss Mutch with Miss Williams to update her. It was a nice, wholesome call and a lovely way to end the day.
Day 6: Tobermory Shore Leave and Knotting Up (27th June 2025)
Arabella Irving, Fore Watch Number 2
To start the day, we were meant to have watch from 12 AM to 4 AM, but because we were anchored in Tobermory, we didn't have to, which I was very happy about. Any extra sleep on the boat is precious. We then had breakfast, and I was surprised I could eat after feeling so ill the previous days. Eating even one piece of toast was a good sign. I really enjoyed seeing Tobermory, as it’s where Balamory was set, which was my childhood. It was nostalgic seeing all the colourful houses. Crew members ran us ashore in the RIB to Tobermory for about an hour. Being in the RIB was one of my favourite parts; it was fun because the crew went quite fast. On the way back, it rained, and my glasses were covered, making it hard to see, but the water looked cool. It was a very enjoyable experience overall.
After lunch, we headed towards Oban after weighing anchor. At this point, I started getting excited. Being surrounded by such a large group had become slightly aggravating – cabin fever, as some would say. Everyone is friendly, but being in a confined area for so long is one of the biggest struggles.
Later that evening, we practised tying various knots for the knot-tying competition. My watch group needed to do well as we lost the previous day. We learned five knots: clove hitch, figure of 8, bowline, round turn and two half hitches, and reef knot. My favourite was the reef knot, the easiest to understand, with the round turn and two half hitches being the most difficult, but I eventually got it.
Then, we had to use scraps to create a vessel for an egg, which would be dropped from the main tops as far aft as possible without damage. We used toilet paper and leftover plastic. We got first choice of resources, so if we don't win, it'll be disappointing, but I think we will.
We were supposed to go ashore in Oban after dinner, but due to intense wind and rain, we couldn't, which was disappointing. As an alternative, we did an inter-watch quiz, with subgroups on boat aspects and marine animals. We didn't win, but we didn't lose either. Mizzen watch won by 2 points (41), while we (fore watch) scored 39, and main watch scored 37.
After the quiz, which ended around 9 PM, many people played cards loudly. It got annoying, but after being told to be quiet, everyone relaxed. Since we were anchored, I didn't have to stay up late or wake up early, so I went to bed around midnight and slept immediately.
Day 7: Scottish Highlands and Knot-Tying Triumph (28th June 2025)
Romeo Rivera, Mizzen Watch Number 8
After a full night's sleep, I woke at 5:30 AM to study quietly, admiring the tranquil view of lush mountains towering over Oban. At 7:20 AM, Miss Williams announced breakfast for Mizzen watch before our 8 AM to 12:30 PM watch.
The plan was to leave Oban for Fort William, where we'd anchor that night. A good friend's 17th birthday was planned with dinner ashore. Miss Williams also had us sign a card for him.
Departing Oban, I took my watch on starboard. The view was breathtaking: tall green mountains and crystal-clear water. I saw a quarry and ferries, but no dolphins today. The ship stopped for 1.5-2 hours to release sails. Watching others climb made me want to go aloft. I eased a rope to help put up the spanker sail at the back, admiring the bosun and watch leaders' coordination. After our shift, the lead bosun asked us to help finish the spanker sail. Tightening (sweating and tailing) was tough, needing two people and a lot of muscle, but I trusted my crewmates.
Afterwards, I had lunch in the mess room; the food was amazing as always. For the rest of the afternoon, I adored the Scottish valleys. The sun and warm breeze made it feel like a holiday, making me forget being sea sick. What made it better was climbing the rig to stow a sail.
Safety was key: always three points of contact. We practised five knots, and the clove hitch was the one to use. I was nervous but Emily and Lorna's clear demonstration helped me revise. Waterproofs on, harness tightened, and knowing the knot, I climbed. I incorporated everything taught: three points of contact, correct limb placement, and at least one clip on the rig. We put the sails away successfully, and I got an amazing view of the Scottish highlands.
Dinner approached, and I looked forward to anchoring at Fort William for my friend's birthday. I tried maths, but still struggled. I kept admiring the views. Just before anchoring, the ship drifted a lot, anchoring far from shore. I worried it might interfere, but dismissed it. My concerns proved right: after beef stew, the chief mate announced we couldn't go ashore due to strong currents. It was late, and crew needed rest. Luckily, the knot-tying competition was still on.
The competition was a relay: one person per group tied a given knot. If correct, they waited; if not, they went to the back. First watch to finish won. No cheering allowed. Nervous, I waited. My teammate finished, and I sprinted. It was a bowline, which I'd practiced. I tied it, showed the watch leader, and he nodded. Relief! I rushed aside, comparing our queue. We were winning! We won again. There was one more, a speed round. A knot would be shouted, and one member had to tie it first for a point. I volunteered for the clove hitch. Unfortunately, I didn't get it right first time and lost a point. Disappointed, I went back, but my teammates consoled me. In the end, we came first overall, extending our watch's lead.
Nothing else was planned, so we had downtime. We sang happy birthday, and Miss Williams brought out a chocolate cake with red jam, kindly made by the chef. She also presented the signed card, pointing out funny jokes. I spent the rest of the evening enjoying cake and washing dishes while listening to sea shanties. Several people helped me, making me feel lucky. A friend pointed out I wasn't on mess duty, but I was fine with helping.
I prepared for bed, setting out clothes and saying goodnight to friends and family. Although we didn't go ashore, the chief mate assured us we would the next morning, so I was excited.
29/06/25
Day 8 Anchor at Fort William to anchor at Oban
Ruth Onwu Mizzen Watch Number 5
Unlike the other nights spent on the boat, instead of waking up earlier to get ready, I woke up to a confused but gentle voice of Miss Devitt. To be honest, I’d also be confused if I had to wake up a groggy half dead teenager in a dark corner of a room, that’s just nightmare fuel. I somehow managed to get ready in time to go upstairs and meet the main watch and my watch for breakfast, and trying a good 5 different spreads for my toast definitely woke me up.
After the morning meeting, it was time to get ready for our time ashore in Fort William. The landscape was beautiful enough in the night, but in the morning, with Ben Nevis hanging over it, the dramatic scene was enough to get me excited. I wore my jorts like I have way too many times on this trip, accompanied by my hat, and waterproofs. Now, I was under the very foolish belief a hat and coat were enough to keep me dry, but once I got onto the last boat to Fort William driven by Bosun and Bosun’s mate Daithi and Jacob, it only took 30 seconds before I was completely soaked. Finally, Sharon, Nikola, Carmen, Romeo and I got off the boat and were left to explore. We could’ve gone anywhere, little charity shops, sightseeing at quite literally one of the biggest mountains in the UK, but we decided that there was a place more worth visiting. The Tesco. Who knew that pot noodles, some reduced sushi and some cheesecake were enough for me to almost shed a tear. We then headed to the McDonalds to again spend more money on more food (it was so worth it).
After heading back to the boat and getting on watch whilst we headed to Oban, me and my other watchmates sat down and began discussing how we were going to make our egg project actually work. No joke, it felt like the most serious conversation If you were looking from afar. We landed on a bubble and paper filled box with an egg inside, alongside a parachute. Don’t get me wrong, the design physics-wise was great, but I wasn’t here for a scientific time, I was here for an artistic one, okay? We, as in Carmen, Osaruese, Sharon and I, came up for a design called: Yolkob. Get it? Probably not, but it’s obviously an egg pun on my favourite day worker Bosun mate Jakub.
Finally, it was time to present our masterpiece. Main watch had a rather interesting performance including a parrot giving birth to a half pringle half parrot abomination called peg that honestly, I was hoping wouldn’t survive that drop. Alicia performed something that felt a bit more political than anyone was expecting, and I was so close to feeling bad for Trubbish, because that was its name, but the fact it had pinkeye caught me so off guard that it also shouldn’t survive that drop for it’s own sake. But the best design was of course, Yolkob, who quite literally was the egg spawn of Jakub and he loved it. I don’t even have to dwindle on how each drop went because we all know damn well that Mizzen won.
Anyways, the day ended with a lovely evening of singing shanty songs with Sharon and others, playing poker, watching a film whilst eating my insane amount of snacks and enjoying the familiar view of Oban. This day felt a bit like reconciliation for the past couple of days, as well as giving me hope for the rest of our trip as we’re soon to go back home. As always, don’t forget to smile!
Day 9 Anchor at Oban to alongside at Dunstaffnage Marina, Oban
Emem Itoro Main Watch Number 5
Today’s activities on the boat were possibly the most agonizing, difficult, and unappealing that I have had to go through on the voyage, however, looking back on what things got done that day make it feel very rewarding. In the beginning, with a punch to the face, was the not so happy, happy hour. I could see why they called it the green mile, being subjected to the floor crawling along the entire corridor, packing and binning every speck of dust that I was called to collect most likely drove me insane, genuinely couldn’t tell where my name was being called from, I was literally running around like a headless chicken, but eventually, the job was all done.
Next, Watch duties. Luckily this wasn’t as bad but Bad weather genuinely had a fun time on this trip, there was supposed to be a grand entrance with the majority of the voyage crew (us) to man the yards and to practice old sailing tradition where old warships that used to enter sailing ports would make crew members man the yards in order to show that they were not a threat in order to commemorate our painstaking 10 day voyage as we docked into the marina however that never came to plan , very sad I know, but instead I had a very difficult job of being the helmsman as we docked, it was a very frantic and brutal part of my day working as fast and as accurately as possible in order to simultaneously work with the captains orders and the assisting ribs pushing the boat into a designated docking location, the captain was very impressive the way he balanced and calculated the orders over radio and in person, I’m glad that I had the honour to help end out journey across the sea, probably the highlight of my day to be honest.
With all sailing being done and dusted, then came the arrival of Ms Vernon and Ms Kennedy, who were also hit with issues on their journey to come and see us, despite this, it was a very warm and fun visit from them as they congratulated us for coming so far across the sea which tied in nicely with the next event of the day which gave them a little taste of what we had been up to for the last week or so, The Inter-Watch Wind turbine competition really tested us how well we were able to be conservative, efficient and creative, although some designs where nice and unique, the physics unfortunately didn’t match, I took a look at Seif’s group and their wind turbine design aligned with my expectations of a design (he’s such a cool guy),as a physics student this was intriguing for me, And although my watch didn’t win (like we usually do), I still enjoyed myself to the fullest which kept everyone in good spirits even in the final stretch of our journey.
Finally leading on to the usual finish to the day, poker, God bless Iyad for bringing poker chips onto the ship because if not it might have been the dullest experience EVER, it really brings everyone round the table to enjoy the final hours of the day before bedtime. I don’t think anyone has ever left unhappy but that’s all from me.