The usual end to a half-term holiday for students is about lie-ins past noon, but one young islander defied the odds by finishing a five-hour solo sail to France during her time off.
Alice Capstick set off from Elizabeth Harbour at 07:00 on Saturday 31 May after her first attempt was postponed.
The 12-year-old was committed to completing a solo sail to France before she became a teenager.
Despite foggy conditions and increasing wind strength, Alice managed to successfully sail her small vessel 17.8 nautical miles to Carteret.
Her endeavour was in aid of MND Jersey – a charity that supports islanders living with motor neurone disease – for which she has now raised over £3,600.
As the niece of Phil Sharp, one of Britain’s most successful sailors, the St Michael’s pupil had strong sailing blood coursing through her veins to keep her on track.
Stocked up with snacks, a compass and a radio, Alice reached Carteret just before midday after fours hours and 51 minutes of sailing.
On arrival, she received a well-earned treat from the boulangerie.
Alice said the sail “was fun but challenging” because of the fog.
“I wanted to be able to see France but I couldn’t until I was almost there,” she said.
“I relied on my compass to make sure I was going in the right direction.”
Alice continued: “Going into the estuary was probably the hardest part as I had to tack all the way upwind and the tide was pushing against me.
“When I got to the pontoon, I was really happy and excited that I had completed my challenge of sailing from Jersey to France before my 13th birthday.”
She added that she “can’t believe” how much she had managed to raise for charity.
“It’s incredible how much people care for others,” said Alice.
“Thank you to everyone for your support.”
DONATE…
You can continue to donate to Alice’s JustGiving page HERE.