The Hartlepool Masonic Benevolent Association sponsored four pupils from the Dyke House Academy School to participate in the Tall Ships race from Den Helder Holland to Hartlepool. The HMBA followed the exploits of one of the trainees "Lucie Marie Wylie" on what turned out to be a life-changing experience.
The trainees had an early morning start to their adventure. They all met at Hartlepool Railway Station and were transferred by private coaches to Teesside Airport for the short flight to Holland. Chaperones from Hartlepool Brough Council accompanied them until they met their shipmates and boarded their ships in Den Helder.
Lucie was fortunate to be assigned to the "Class B" 24-metre Gaff rigged Pilot cutter, the "Jolie Brise" which also happened to be the last sailing vessel to carry the Royal Mail under sail; Lucie immediately settled in and made herself at home.
Lucie has a very warm and outgoing personality and immediately formed a bond with her new ship mates and the crew of the Jolie Brise. The first mate and other crew members said to Sarah (Lucie's mam) she was outstanding; even with her sea sickness, she kept morale up during the storms and was singing and dancing. She was always happy and helpful, and she took extra shifts.
Sarah (Lucie's mam) added:
'All good things to hear. She wants to look into sailing and get involved; she's loved it that much.'
The storms were very bad; some ships had to retire from the race, and some stayed in the port of Den Helder.
Before the event took place, Lucie had an interview with BBC television, which was aired on Look North, and on their return to Hartlepool, she had a second interview with the BBC, her personality shinning through on both occasions.
Lucie has made the most of the opportunity. She is a credit to her family, Hartlepool and the Freemasons; even when Lucie returned home and attended the hospital for her concussion, she never complained, and fortunately she has fully recovered.
