Bermuda Sun – November 3 2006

It's taught me about teamwork
B. Candace Ray
Like the other 13-year-old Sandys sailors, Khalid Muhammad was assigned to a watch (mainmast) comprising seven classmates, a volunteer teacher/monitor and watch leader.

"I connect the ropes (lines) to the mainsail and I pull them through a winch," he explained. "When it's cleaning time, my watch leader just tells me to do certain things like sweep the mess hall and whatever.

"The work doesn't end with a finished assignment, however, for Khalid can be called upon at any time to lend assistance, like with the foresail he also helped raise by using the starboard side winch.

He explained that seasickness is only a problem if you go below deck and addressed the excitement he felt about the voyage.

"The waves, the swell makes it more exciting by the boat jumping up and down and water splashing," he said.He's learned to tie a figure eight and bowline knots and discovered an appreciation of what he has.

"If you want a drink (on the ship), you don't have ice, so you have to take it like it is," he said.He talked about teamwork's making everything easier and said: "If someone is being bossy, you act in a proactive way by just ignoring them if they act rude.

"Khalid's mother signed his permission slip and provided a medical form."She wanted me…to experience this," he said. "I really appreciated that she let me."M1 Social Studies teacher at Sandys, Jennifer Brookes noted that while the journals ensured personal reflection time, the sail handling focused on teamwork and leadership skills.

"I think it'll help my future," Khalid said, "because I really have to practice things, like coiling rope and stuff. So, if I put that in other things and keep practicing what I want to become, I can make it."