Take part2025-07-28T14:15:39+01:00

Our comprehensive programme spans both water-based and land-based training, building a strong foundation of confidence, teamwork, and leadership capabilities in young people.

Mariners Club

If your young person has enjoyed the STT Programme and wants to stay involved, gain new skills and explore exciting activities year round, the mariners club could be the perfect next step.

The Mariners Club, is exclusively for young people who have attended the STT programme past or present. The aim of the club is to further broaden experiences and opportunities for those who have enjoyed the programme by giving them year-round support and training. It will also have a focus on giving the people skills that will make them employable in the maritime sector. Activities they will do:

Dinghy sailing | Windsurfing | Climbing | Archery | Paddlesports | Maritime Navigation | Bushcraft | Team building activities | And more…

The club will be run by many familiar faces and a small team of volunteers. Pick up is available from Hilsea station.

The Mariners Club is delivered by the Andrew Simpson Centres in Portsmouth.

registration for schools

If you are an educational provider and you would like to find out more about individual or group enrolment and eligibility, please get in touch with us directly.

We recognise that every participant comes with their own set of aspirations, challenges, and strengths. As such, our approach is not one-size-fits-all but rather one that fosters flexibility and personalisation. Through a collaborative partnership, we work closely with schools and participants to understand their specific goals and requirements.

This approach allows us to provide targeted guidance and support, ensuring that each individual can thrive and make the most of their STT experience. Whether it’s acquiring specific qualifications, overcoming personal challenges, building confidence, or honing leadership skills, our commitment is to empower individuals on their unique journey toward personal and academic success.

Parent referrals

If you are the parent of a young person who is facing behavioural, educational or social challenges, please get in touch with our team.

Enrolling your child in the STT programme is a decision that can shape their future in profound ways. Our programmes not only introduce them to the thrilling world of sailing but also instil crucial life skills, build character, and open doors to exciting opportunities. We understand that coordinating with schools is essential, and our team is here to help. We can seamlessly liaise with your child’s school to ensure a smooth integration of STT into their education.

Whether it’s accommodating specific needs, or discussing qualifications, we’re committed to tailoring the experience to suit your child’s individual journey. Together, we can embark on a transformative adventure that empowers your child to become a confident, resilient, and ambitious young individual, ready to chart a course toward a brighter future. Join us in providing them with the tools and experiences they need to thrive and succeed.

Visit our HQ

The Sail Training Trust Head Office is based at the Andrew Simpson Watersports Centre, Portsmouth in the stunning natural harbour of Langstone.  We also have a base in the Naval Dockyard at the heart of Portsmouth Harbour and deliver courses from ASF centres nationwide.

If you’d like to visit, please get in touch first so that we can make sure one of the team is off the water when you come by.

Sail Training Trust c/o ASC Portsmouth
Eastern Road, Portsmouth
PO3 5LY

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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