Last Friday, the annual Sail Training Trust Regatta and Awards Ceremony took place at ASC Portsmouth, welcoming our remarkable group of young people from local Portsmouth schools.

To mark the end of the school year, 43 participants from six schools, representing seven of our weekly groups, came together for our end-of-year regatta. Under sunny skies, a series of closely fought races unfolded on the water. In a dramatic finish, Milton Cross School were crowned this year’s Regatta champions, taking the trophy on countback.

This year we handed out a record 500+ national governing body certifications to our young people in our prize giving, a testament for their hard work this academic year.

Sail Training Trust’s Chief Instructor, Will Keyser, reflected:

“Every year I’m more and more impressed by the development shown by the young people – many of whom start out not even wanting to get on the water, but by the end are completely hooked. The number of certificates we handed out this year shows just how far they’ve come, and how much effort they’ve put into building their maritime skills.

I’m so proud of what everyone has achieved, and none of it would be possible without the incredible team of instructors I work with every day.”

We were also joined by our valued partners and supporters, including Lockheed Martin, who generously sponsored the day, and the Stannah Foundation, who presented the Most Improved Trophy. A big thank you as well to the Rotary Club of Portsmouth & Southsea for their continued support, and to Portsmouth International Port, who hosted our pupils for site tours.

Award Winners

This year’s prize-giving ceremony reflected what has been an exceptional academic year. Choosing the winners wasn’t easy…

Instructors’ Award:

• Elise Stephens (Bayhouse)
• Vinny Howard (Oaklands)

Stannah Trophy for Most Improved

• Ruby Cheeseman (Brune Park)

Regatta Winners

• Milton Cross School

A special highlight of the day saw the Sail Training Trust’s Founding Trustee, Ed Phillips, present a Contribution to Youth Development Award to Chief Instructor Will Keyser, recognising his dedication and lasting impact on young people across Portsmouth. Congratulations, Will, truly well deserved.

As we break for summer, we’re already looking forward to welcoming our school groups back in September. For those moving on to new adventures, we wish you all the very best.