SAIL TRAINING

It is indisputable that sail training has a powerful and enduring influence on young people’s personal growth. Our voyages last for for periods of time between 7 days and 6 months. They take trainee crew on a dynamic, testing, seafaring experience, where working effectively as a team is essential. Onboard the ship, experienced, professional crew give each young trainee the tools to overcome all the challenges they will encounter. The young people are a genuine part of the crew. They first learn essential theory including terminology, rope work and safety. Then it’s off to sea, where, as a team, they sail the ship, learning to tack, wear and brace the yards. There is no mechanical assistance onboard, sailing a tall ship relies on team muscle power, with up to 6 people hauling on one line to trim, set or hand the sails. To stow the sails, the young people climb the rigging, a height of over 30m up if they need to reach the top of the mainmast!​

Our trainees helm, look out, and assist with navigation, and no sailing experience would be complete without good food and tidy cabins. Therefore, all our young people partake in 'happy hour' (cleaning the ship) and spend time in the galley preparing meals. Through this unique, intense, challenging, all weather, round the clock learning experience, young people rapidly build their self-reliance, confidence, resilience, leadership skills and a positive mental attitude which will help chart their futures.

Sail training covers all aspects of sailing, but its purpose goes far beyond. Sail training uses the experience of being at sea as a means to help people learn about themselves, discover hidden strengths and talents and understand the value of working as part of a team. No previous experience is required.

Sail training must not be confused with “learning to sail”, an altogether different activity. The Sail Training experience involves a vast range of activities, including, but not limited to: keeping watch around the clock, climbing masts, communication, cooking, maintenance, navigating, pulling on ropes, scrubbing decks and setting the sails, all as part of the working crew.
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Some of these tasks may require you to confront your greatest fears, but the safe and efficient operation of a sail training ship requires everyone on board to operate as a team. Individuals cannot ignore their responsibilities or avoid contributing to the overall workload. As a trainee crew member, you will be encouraged to work with your team-mates, co-operate with each other, rely on each other and have others rely you. This may be challenging but can be fun and adventurous at the same time.
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By the end of your sail training voyage, you will feel a sense of belonging, have gained experience, and a newly found confidence in your own ability. You will be motivated to demand more from life in the future and you will have gained the knowledge of where to go and how to find the fulfilment you are seeking. In addition, you will have made firm friends with your team-mates as you acquired new skills together.
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Sail training has a record of considerable success in character development. Participants confront many demanding challenges, both physical and emotional. It is an activity that inspires self-confidence, acceptance of others and develops a willingness to take controlled risks. Sail training is often described as a positive, life-changing experience.
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Opportunities are open to young people regardless of nationality, culture, religion, gender and social background. Sail training occurs through a focus on curriculum-based education, skill acquisition and personal and social development – or a combination of all three.
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Our professional crew encourage personal, social and decision-making skills required for life on board. Trainees are given opportunities to practice, learn and master technical and lateral thinking skills in an inclusive and fun, encouraging environment.
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Development plan

Our 2020 Development Plan outlines our aims and objectives for the next few years.

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Gallery and Videos

Crew and students share experiences with you on their Seas Your Future voyages with College Partners and Darwin200.

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Seas Your Future is the operating name of Adventure Under Sail,
Charity 1124276, VAT 174919961.

For more information contact:

enquiries@seasyourfuture.org 
T: +44 (0) 1305 839835
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