In September of 2022 Portsmouth Sail Training Trust opened a new centre in partnership with the not-for-profit Andrew Simpson Centre Portland, the Portland Sail Training Trust. Weymouth and Portland are ranked amongst the top 10% most deprived areas in England on the index of multiple deprivation, meaning an initiative such as this is particularly important.

The Portland Sail Training Trust engages with young people from local schools and those who are in attendance of alternative school provision such as pupil referral units. We work closely with the schools throughout the programme to ensure that the young people are getting the most positive and valuable experience possible.

Compass School’s Deputy Head Teacher, Mark Fisher says:

PSTT has made it possible for students from a socially economically deprived background to have their lives enriched with watersports experiences. Our students can see the link between watersports and potential career opportunities in the future.

Since starting the programme, alll the students have grown in confidence, leadership skills, communication and their ‘have a go’ attitude. Some students have complex additional needs and have found the project daunting on occasions but in time and with the support of others, each have overcome these hurdles and able to express how they feel. 

We would never be able to give students this opportunity if it wasn’t for the PSTT.

Here’s what Portland Sail Training Trust students says about the programme:

I am really good at sailing and love being on the water. I have only sailed since coming to Compass. My old school doesn’t offer it. My favourite part is being in the water, paddleboarding and powerboating. I like the students and instructors and go every week. It has helped my confidence and my relationships with other. I used to struggle with this. 

The programme has grown from 3 students in its first year, to 8 students in 2024, with plans to grow the programme year on year. Portland Sail Training Trust is excited to work with the young people of Portland and Weymouth to pursue meaningful careers in the maritime and watersports industry and achieve their full potential.