Isle of Wight 2025

UKSA Chronicles – Day Two: “The Great Crab Caper & Other Aquatic Antics”

After a hearty serving of sausage-and-mash (which several students insisted is the only legitimate pre-crabbing fuel), we set off for the evening activity. Who knew dangling bits of bacon on string could whip teenagers into a competitive frenzy? But it did—especially Student F, who approached the harbour wall with the steely focus of an Olympic athlete.

One record-smashing frenzy later, we’d hauled up 52 crabs, beating the fabled “absolutely-totally-not-made-up” record by a comfortable margin. I’d assumed this was just staff banter—until, at breakfast, our new instructors walked in already buzzing about “the legendary 52-crab team.” Evidently word travels fast when crustaceans are involved.

 

Night-time Shenanigans (Brief Edition)

Contrary to popular prophecy, lights were out and snoring commenced by 10 p.m.—though a brief bout of “We’re-totally-not-tired” door-slamming did occur around 9.45. Crisis averted.

 

Dawn (a.k.a. 6 a.m. Door-Percussion Hour)

Some eager souls decided every door in the corridor deserved a personal slam at sunrise. At 7 a.m. the official wake-up call went out; a few reluctant zombies required the patented “mummy moment” pep-talk from our female staff member, but everyone hit breakfast on time. (Special commendation to Student H, who arrived looking as if he’d fought a bear in his sleep but still consumed the vitamin-C content of a small orchard—about 15 oranges, by eyewitness count).

 

A Compliment Worth Framing

While I was busy re-caffeinating, the headteacher of the only other school onsite pulled me aside just to gush about how polite and well-mannered our lot were at mealtimes. Naturally, I relayed this to the troops; the collective chest-inflation almost lifted the roof.

 

Morning Mayhem: Sailing vs. SUP

 • Paddle-Board Platoon – Their primary learning objective appeared to be: “Make Mr Pitts swim.” Mission accomplished… repeatedly.

 • Sailing Squadron – Gifted with “character-building” gusts. Joyfully capsized at least once each. (For the record: first to go in was Mr Bliss—graceful arc, 10/10 splash.)

 

Lunch Highlights

Sandwiches, crisps, fruit, plus a live demonstration by Student H: “How to demolish a family-pack of oranges before the bell rings.”

 

Afternoon Encore

Groups swapped: paddle-boarders braved bonus whitecaps; sailors enjoyed a tamer but instructive session paired with an instructor. High winds trimmed the sail time a touch, but spirits stayed firmly at gale force.

 

Current Status

Now enjoying a blissful 90-minute downtime before supper. Evening programme: Recreational Games—translation: even more inventive ways for teenagers to exhaust the staff before bedtime.

Stay tuned: who knows what records (or teachers) will go under tomorrow!

Reporting live from the Isle of Wet Socks and Unstoppable Enthusiasm