About STT2025-02-25T15:25:59+00:00

We are dedicated to empowering young individuals through sail training, fostering personal growth, and equipping them with essential life skills and qualifications for a brighter future.

Programme overview

At STT, we work in partnership with local schools to support individuals who face economic, educational and social challenges that limit their opportunities.

We use the transformative power of sail training to ignite the aspirations of young people during their formative teenage years. Working in a delivery partnership with the Andrew Simpson Foundation, our comprehensive program spans both water-based and land-based training, cultivating a robust foundation of confidence, teamwork, and leadership capabilities. Moreover, participants acquire valuable RYA qualifications that not only enrich their personal development but also propel them towards successful careers.

RYA Qualification Options

Pupils can achieve the following globally recognised qualifications that can shape their future career. From becoming a watersports or sailing instructor, to gaining a place in the Navy or becoming professional sailor – their RYA qualifications open up a path of opportunity for their future.

Youth sailing scheme stage 1-4

Courses to prepare you for all varieties of sailing including the thrill of performance boats, racing and using spinnakers.

National Sailing Scheme Keelboat Levels 1-3

Keelboat courses to bridge the gap between small boats and yachts.

National Sailing Scheme Modules

A series of short courses, to progress quickly from beginner to expert in a controlled, safe and enjoyable environment.

Cruising Scheme Start Yachting

A short introduction to sail cruising covering steering a yacht, sail handling and ropework.

Essential Navigation and Seamanship

An introduction to navigation and safety for anyone new to boating: sailors, powerboaters and beyond.

Diesel engine maintenance

This course includes basic maintenance and engine care which will prevent most cases of engine failure.

Powerboat Levels 1 and 2

Handle a powerboat boat safely from a gentle cruise to zipping across the open water.

First Aid

A one-day course to cover all the usual first aid subjects, but from a boating perspective.

Schools interested in discussing specific qualification options and tailored programs are encouraged to reach out to us directly. We welcome the opportunity to collaborate and accommodate individual school requirements, ensuring our offerings align seamlessly with pupils’ educational and personal development goals.

The STT programme aims

Our overarching mission is to enable young people to actively participate in the regeneration of our community. We do this by delivering the following four programme aims:

BROADENING HORIZONS

We enable young people to achieve their full potential.

Through our programmes, we aim to build their self-confidence, nurture self-esteem, and facilitate self-management skills, equipping them with the tools to conquer life’s challenges.

We firmly believe that participation in sailing and boating activities not only ignites a sense of adventure but also provides invaluable opportunities for personal growth, ultimately enabling these young individuals to reach new heights of achievement.

LEARNING LIFE SKILLS

Incorporating marine skills and sail training to build resilience, personal responsibility, and a positive outlook in participants.

Through these experiences, participants develop essential life skills such as leadership, diligence, team-building, and problem-solving. These character traits are not only instrumental in shaping a more positive attitude but also have a tangible impact on their educational outcomes.

Furthermore, our dedication extends beyond the training itself. We provide guidance and support to help individuals navigate the path toward gainful employment, both within the local community and the broader marine sector. Our ultimate goal is to equip them with the skills and confidence needed to make meaningful contributions to their communities while fostering personal growth and professional success.

INSTILLING VALUES

The STT delivers its mission by instilling strong values in young people.

We nurture their personal growth, and equip them with the skills and mindset necessary for success as they transition into adulthood.

Through sail training and mentorship, we emphasise qualities such as integrity, responsibility, empathy, and perseverance. These values serve as the foundation upon which participants can build fulfilling, purpose-driven lives, contributing positively to their communities and society as a whole.

DEVELOPING CHARACTER TRAITS

At STT, our primary goal is to enhance the life chances and opportunities for success among our participants.

We prioritise and promote key character traits that are integral to personal and professional growth. These traits include resilience, determination, and courage, which empower individuals to overcome challenges.

We emphasise the importance of maintaining positive attitudes, as well as the value of diligence and hard work in achieving one’s aspirations. Moreover, we encourage a keen interest in learning, a willingness to actively contribute and participate, and the ability to take initiative. By fostering these qualities, we create a supportive and motivating environment where students can thrive.

FUTURE CAREERS

STT is passionate about helping young people raise their aspirations. One of the ways we do this is by encouraging young people to think about their future careers and by enabling young people to find out more about the opportunities available to them.

You can also learn more about the exciting and varied career opportunities available within the maritime sector by heading to Maritime UK’s Careers page: https://maritimecareers.uk

STT currently has strong relationships with the following organisations: SERCO, Trafalgar Wharf, Royal Navy. If you would like to find out more about these organisations, please email hello@sailtrainingtrust.org

All our students have benefitted greatly from attending PSTT. The staff are brilliant. I would recommend this course to other schools.

Jen Jordan, Priory School

The students who have been involved in the PSTT programme are incredibly positive about their experiences. I am noticing a difference in their levels of confidence and have no doubt that this programme is raising their aspirations, which is obviously the main aim.

Gemma Pearse, Assistant Head Teacher, Trafalgar School
The level of expertise and patience of the instructors has made engaging the students in learning a difficult skill very easy as it has fuelled the students’ keenness to attend week after week.
Steve Fletcher, Achievement Centre Manager – Milton Cross School

They are now more organised, more independent and have more self-belief in every task that they do. I have seen the student’s communication skills improve and seen great team building throughout.

Scott Miller, Oaklands Catholic School and Sixth Form College

Your questions answered

What is the Sail Training Trust?2025-02-24T09:32:48+00:00

The Sail Training Trust, also known as STT, is a not-for-profit organisation which provides maritime training, qualifications and mentoring to young people, helping to raise their aspirations, improve their life skills and create career opportunities.

STT began life as the Portsmouth Sail Training Trust in 2013, supporting young people in the Portsmouth region.  Joining forces with the Andrew Simpson Foundation has enabled us to extend our reach nationwide, utilising their centres to deliver our programmes to more young people. We are currently now delivering our programmes in locations such as Portland, Plymouth, Birmingham and Reading.

Who can join a STT programme?2025-02-24T09:33:11+00:00

We have built strong relationships with schools and community groups, to provide opportunities for young people who will benefit the most from this programme. Young people who are deemed most at need, are nominated by their teachers or community group leaders to participate in the programme

How much does it cost?2023-09-13T10:45:21+01:00

We are a not-for-profit organisation and rely on the generous support of our funders to make the programme fully subsidised with no cost to the families, schools and individuals enrolled in the programme.

What sort of qualifications can I gain?2023-09-13T10:45:55+01:00

As well as providing valuable life skills, the programme also provides Royal Yachting Association (RYA) training both on and off the water. This ranges from sailing qualifications in dinghies, keelboats and yachts, powerboating qualifications, first aid and diesel engine maintenance and much more.

Does it replace traditional school or college?2023-09-13T10:46:34+01:00

No. PSTT is an enrichment programme for young people during school hours (usually half-day sessions each week) which has proven benefits for increased engagement and focus for the students once they are back in the classroom.

How old do you have to be?2023-09-13T10:49:02+01:00

We typically work with school years 7 to 11, which includes young people aged 11 up to 16. In some circumstances we are able to accept primary school or college aged young people, so please get in touch to talk to us about your individual situation.

Do I need any existing skills in sailing or swimming?2023-09-13T10:49:50+01:00

No, not at all. We teach the absolute basics of all the skills on the programme and due to safety equipment and clothing we provide, you don’t even need to be able to swim.

Do you support young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)2023-09-13T10:55:13+01:00

Yes, many of the young people on our programme have special educational needs or disabilities, and we work closely with teachers and SENCO’s to provide opportunities and bespoke support for any young person who would benefit from our programme.

Who do I speak to if I have questions or want to join the programme?2025-02-24T09:34:33+00:00

You can speak to any of our team who would be happy to answer any questions and talk you through the programme and how to sign up. Please give us a call on 02390 663873 during standard working hours or email us on hello@sailtrainingtrust.org.

If you have any other questions, please speak to one of our team members on 02390 663873 or send us a message online.

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