Small Ships Races

We regularly participate in the annual ’round-the-cans’ Cowes Small Ships Races youth sailing event.  Run under the rules of the Tall Ships Races, this is a short but extremely popular race, held each year on the first weekend of October out of Cowes. The race suits smaller vessels, usually under 24 metres long with up to 16 trainees on board and is open to individuals aged between 13 and 25 years.

About every 2 years a longer ‘passage race’ is held with at least two host ports and a longer stretch of offshore racing. In August 2021 we took part in the Mayflower Small Ships Race from Southampton to Dartmouth, to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower’s pioneering voyage to the New World.

Racing is hard work and challenging. It is exhilarating, rewarding and builds a real sense of teamwork.

You will participate in every aspect of life on board, under the full instruction of our professional sailing staff, learning about navigation, helming, cooking, making sail and much more.

For more information on these fabulous races please contact us on 01752 823007, email info@theislandtrust.org.uk, or use the enquiry form at the bottom of this page.

Dates and Availability

All voyages are operated by The Island Trust’s trading subsidiary Island (Cutter) Ltd.

Get in touch

Please phone us on 01752 823007, email info@theislandtrust.org.uk, or use the enquiry form below: