We have three ocean going sail training yachts, between 57 and 75 feet in length (20 to 25 metres) that have been designed and fitted out by us specifically for sail training. Each is crewed by a highly experienced volunteer Afterguard and a crew of 12 to 16 young people
Our aim is not to produce sailors, but more rounded individuals able to work in a team and discover their potential. What many youngsters who come sailing with us find is that the biggest challenge is working in a team, not just to sail the boat, but to cook and clean as well.
At the end of a sail-training week, or a major voyage like the 2009 Transatlantic, we will have:
•Created a sense of achievement
•Built the self-confidence of our young crew
•Developed teamwork and leadership skills
•Demonstrated the value of cooperation over conflict
Provided positive role models for young people, encompassing:
•Maturity
•Leadership
•Resourcefulness
•Effective Communication
We use the medium of the sea because it is an unforgiving natural environment, that provides a sense of risk and adventure.
We use large sailing vessels because they require hard, physical work and cannot be sailed without teamwork. both on deck and down below.
All of this builds Self discipline, Teamwork and Tolerance.
If this sounds all too good to be true, a recent independent study into Sail Training around the world, which included Rona II, confirmed the value of sail training in exactly these areas.
The 'Experience of a Lifetime' becomes a lifetime's experience.
We also give those with leadership potential the opportunity to gain qualifications to become Watch Leaders. From here if they want to continue sailing with us and give something back to society, they can become Watch Officers then Mates and ultimately Skippers.
Currently over 90% of our 60 volunteer Skippers started as trainees on our boats.
Every year we enter one boat in the European Tall Ships Race and every 10 years in the Trans Atlantic Tall Ships Race. Our crews are selected from those who have given of their personal best and tried the hardest.
Organisation for the Transatlantic Race is too complex and expensive to be managed with normal Trust resources, so we have a small team of volunteers organising our entry and raising the necessary finance. This is the purpose of this website.