50 years of life-changing sailing adventures!
We are a registered charity providing life-enhancing, residential and day sailing activities for young people with special needs, disabilities, and those experiencing hardship and deprivation.
To support our charitable work we run sail training voyages for independent individuals aged 13 to 19 years during the school holidays, group team building days, and occasional voyages specifically for adults. Our boats are also available to hire for film and television work.
Schools & Groups
We offer sailing expeditions and day sails for youth groups, schools and colleges, tailored specifically to the needs of the group.
Adventure Sailing
Sail training voyages for independent young people during school holidays – have a great time, learn new skills and make new friends!
DofE Gold Residentials
Come on board for your DofE Gold Residential, where you can work towards an RYA qualification at the same time.
Adult Voyages
We occasionally run a small number of adult coastal cruises, expedition voyages, and sailing and wild swimming trips.
Teachers/Youth Leaders
Find out more about what we do on one of our free taster day sails for teachers and youth leaders.
Private/Corporate
Our traditional vessels are perfectly suited to private and corporate hire for groups seeking a team experience.
Latest News
Life on the Ocean Wave
Plymouth primary school children from the Stonehouse neighbourhood to be given an awe-inspiring glimpse into the world around them…
The Island Trust Addresses Fleet and Staffing Changes to Secure its Future
This year is the Trust’s 50th Anniversary and we are proud to have come so far but the…
Ocean Literacy for Sail Trainers Course Evaluation 2022
On 24 and 25 November 2022 The Island Trust ran a course entitled “Ocean Literacy…
Ocean Discoverability 2022 End of Season Report
There were some firsts for us in 2022. First Steps is a home education group in…
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Our Fleet
The Island Trust owns three large traditionally rigged sailing boats; Moosk, Pegasus and Johanna Lucretia. In 2024 we will only be operating Johanna Lucretia.
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 adventure sailing for independent individuals, DofE Gold Residentials, 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
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 skippers are RYA Yachtmasters and Cruising Instructors or higher, and mates and volunteers are qualified to levels appropriate to the responsibilities they carry in accordance with statutory MCA and RYA regulations and guidelines.
More information about RYA training »
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.
Foe more information visit our DofE Gold Residential page.