MORE than 100 students from across Cornwall celebrated reaching a range of nautical achievements at an awards ceremony on Thursday.

Pupils were pushed to their limits after they swapped the comfort of the classroom for the excitement of the open ocean during the courses last year.

The awards were held at Penwith College on Thursday with young people from eight Cornish secondary schools and training centres receiving a recognised maritime qualification.

Cornwall Marine Network's Academy joined Clipper Ventures and Lusty Glaze's Adventure Centre to offer the week-long opportunity.

Positive impact

Julie Fellows, director of the academy, said: "You cannot underestimate the positive impact of the programme. It is not an easy option.

"The change in young people at the end is tangible. The skills and experience stay with them when they go back to their academic and personal life."

The seafaring initiative saw teenagers aged from 14 to 19 pit their wits against the elements to sail a 60ft yacht or complete a programme of kayaking, coasteering and snorkelling.

Clipper Ventures' recruitment manager, David Cusworth, said: "The training they received was the same that we give to people joining the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. It is technically challenging stuff and was not watered down because of their age."