What is sail training

Our award winning sail training voyages let young people discover their true potential through the experience of sail training

Sail training requires participants to confront many demanding challenges, both physical and emotional. It is an activity that inspires self-confidence and the acceptance of personal responsibility. It promotes an acceptance of others whatever their social or cultural backgrounds, and develops a willingness to take controlled risks. For most who undertake sail training, it is a positive life-changing experience.

Sailing voyages with Ocean Youth Trust Scotland include instruction in all aspects of sailing but its purpose goes far, far beyond this. Sail training uses the experience of being at sea principally as a means to help people learn about themselves, discover hidden strengths and talents and understand the value of working as a team.

The very real and honest physical, mental and emotional challenges are genuinely demanding and the often unpredictable nature of sail training requires a high degree of interaction and mental and physical commitment. Young people complete their voyages having increased their confidence, responsibility, respect, resilience and ability to work as part of a team. More than that, they will have expanded their horizons, made new friends and gained many treasured memories.

A sail training voyage is not a holiday! It is an adventurous team activity, during which participants will be expected to become fully involved in every aspect of life aboard – from sail hoisting and navigating, to cooking and cleaning.

Although teaching people to sail is not the primary aim of of our voyages, we of often do run RYA Courses during our voyages to allow crewmembers to gain their RYA Start Yachting or Competent Crew certificates. The voyages may also be used for the Residential or Expedition sections of the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award