The Island Trust reg. charity no. 1049722
Over 40 years of life-changing sailing adventures!
Since 1973, The Island Trust has been transforming young lives by providing confidence-building, traditional adventure sailing.
From very small beginnings we have grown, now helping hundreds of young people annually, from every background from across the UK, to get out on the water and experience the joy, adventure and freedom of a voyage at sea.
We firmly believe in social inclusion and equality. We provide the opportunities, financial and moral support, and the sail training expertise for those who could not otherwise contemplate taking part in activities of this kind.
To support our charitable work we also run:
- sail training voyages for independent individuals during the school holidays;
- day sails and voyages for commercial organisations seeking a team experience;
- a number of RYA Competent Crew, Day Skipper Practical, Yachtmaster Preparation & Exam six day courses for all ages throughout the sailing season, and
- occasional voyages specifically for adults.
The Island Trust runs three beautiful traditional gaff-rigged sailing vessels; Moosk, Pegasus and Tectona.
Latest News
Eddystone Charity Sailing Pursuit 2018 – The Results
This year’s Eddystone Charity Sailing Pursuit was one of those ‘déjà vu’ moments with the weather conditions just like the…
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Launch of the Next Step Appeal
The Island Trust now has ambitious and exciting plans to expand its fleet. The imperative to purchase a fourth vessel is driven by the demand…
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Look out for Moosk in The Sound in early March
Good news! We are pleased to report that Moosk is back in good order and is looking forward to the 2018 sailing season with a watertight…
read more
Yachtsman of the Year nominee Conrad Humphreys
Our Trustee and triple round the world yachtsman Conrad Humphreys has been nominated for Yachtsman of the Year…
read moreKeep in touch
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Our Fleet
The Island Trust operates three large traditionally rigged sailing boats; Moosk, Pegasus and Tectona, each has her own distinctive style and character, all perfect for Sail Training.
Moosk
Pegasus
Tectona
Sail Training
Based in Plymouth, Devon, The Island Trust provides flexible personal development programmes for young people on board its fleet of traditionally rigged sailing vessels. Encouraging independence, team work, communication, self worth and life skills; sailing provides an exciting and challenging adventure.
Courses range from group sailing weeks and day sails, to teenage sailing weeks for independent individuals, DofE Gold Residentials, RYA practical courses, Tall Ships Races and the annual ’round-the-cans’ Cowes Small Ships Races youth sailing events.
The Island Trust is a registered charity (no. 1049722) committed to providing sailing for everyone and will accept applications from young people for financial assistance to meet the costs of a voyage. Click here to read more about us.
What We Do
DofE Approved Activity Provider
We are a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Approved Activity Provider and run DofE Gold Residential sailing weeks for individuals. Voyages follow the RYA Cruising syllabus and our experienced and well qualified staff will help participants gain RYA as well as DofE qualifications.
For more information about DofE Gold Residential opportunities »
RYA Recognised Training Centre
Crewed by professional sailing staff, qualified at the highest level, all of our vessels have been coded by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and inspected for seaworthiness and safety.
The Island Trust and its operating company, Island (Cutter) Ltd, have robust policies and procedures in place to guarantee your safety on board including:
- Health and Safety Policies
- Child Protection Policies
- Annual DBS Disclosure for all staff and volunteers
We are members of the Association of Sail Training Organisations (ASTO).
Full time and relief staff are RYA Yachtmasters and Cruising Instructors or higher, and volunteers are qualified to levels appropriate to the responsibilities they carry in accordance with statutory MCA and RYA regulations and guidelines.
For more information about RYA training »
What is Sail Training?
Our voyages take you to different places every day, tiny harbours, beautiful rivers and the stunning Cornish and Devon coastlines. On a really good week, we may to sail out to the Isles of Scilly, Brittany or the Channel Islands. We sail where the wind takes us, and regularly spot dolphins, sun fish, basking sharks, seals and even pilot whales! Beach barbecues, fishing and swimming are all part of the fun.
Our sailing weeks mix high quality tuition with a fun, educational environment where everyone works and lives as a crew. RYA (Royal Yachting Association) certificates and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Gold Residential can be attained on board.
Participants learn how to helm, use a compass, use charts and basic navigational skills to plan passages, raise and lower sails, tie knots and cook. Standard voyages start in the afternoon on Sunday and end at lunchtime on Friday. Our RYA qualified Sailing Instructors are specialist youth workers, and subject to annual enhanced DBS disclosure.
As a charity we help the visually and hearing impaired, those with learning difficulties, special educational needs or behavioural difficulties, and any young person for whom the experience of sailing might otherwise be unattainable. We help hundreds of young people every year, from all backgrounds, to get out on the water and experience the adventure and freedom of a voyage at sea.
For more information call us on 01752 823 007 or email info@theislandtrust.org.uk.