Sailing adventures for the Home Educated

During school term time we run Sail Training voyages exclusively for Home Educated youngsters between the ages of 12 to 18, with an emphasis on having a great time, learning new skills and making friends.

Location

Sailing in the magnificent waters along the south Devon and south Cornwall coast, sailing east or west depending on the weather conditions, there are plenty of hidden coves, tiny islands and harbours to visit. On an exceptionally good weather week, we are sometimes able to reach the Isles of Scilly.

Life on board

You and the rest of the crew are responsible for all aspects of life on board, from helming and navigation to cooking, keeping the boat clean and tidy, getting the sails up and rowing ashore. Our professional sailing staff will show you exactly what you need to do. There’s plenty of time to chill out on deck, keep an eye out for dolphins and basking sharks, catch mackerel for supper or go ashore for beach games and a barbecue.

Qualifications

Voyages follow the RYA Cruising syllabus and most include the option to gain or further your RYA qualifications, and could count for your DofE Gold Residential – always check with your DofE Leader first.

Dates and availability

Sailing dates and availability can be found further down the page.  All voyages start and finish in Plymouth, unless stated otherwise.

Sail training is a great way to raise confidence, motivation, communication, teamwork and to gain a host of new skills.

Voyages are crafted for teenagers who are capable of benefiting from sail training without special care requirements. During the booking process your parent/guardian will be asked to fully disclose any disabilities, medical conditions or behavioural issues that may impact you or others during your time with us. If you or your parent/guardian have any doubts concerning your readiness to sail with us we will be happy to discuss any concerns with you before you make a commitment.

Voyages

Most voyages give you the opportunity to work towards Royal Yachting Association qualifications such as Start Yachting or Competent Crew certificates, which are a great addition to a CV. Once you have achieved your certificates you can come back time and time again to build up your nautical miles and to work towards Watch Leader or higher.

We run a small number of two and three-night voyages for those not so confident about a longer trip or to act as a great taster for a longer voyage, and also offer a more cost affordable alternative. These are an ideal voyage for beginniers wishing to gain or work towards their Start Yachting certificate.

Our five-night voyages are a great way to get a bit further afield and give you the opportunity to work towards qualifications such as Start Yachting and Competent Crew certificates or higher.

Ocean Literacy

Jump on board our Ocean Literacy voyage for your own Blue Planet experience, and explore the marine world, above, on and below the sea. We all depend on a healthy ocean to continue living on Planet Ocean; this trip will help you understand why, what you can do to help its future, and the opportunities it offers for recreation and work. Our specialist advisor and On Board Ocean Educator will help you find, identify and record some of the amazing wildlife as we sail the waters of Devon and Cornwall, and with an underwater camera we will show you life beneath the waves.

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Gold Residential

We are a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Approved Activity Provider. Those working towards their DofE Gold Award need to complete an additional Residential section. You can choose from a range of residential activities, one of them being sailing. This involves spending a minimum of 5 days and 5 nights away from home on a shared activity with people you’ve never met before, but it is possible to know up to one other person. If you would like to undertake your DofE Gold Residential, please speak to us before booking your place, and always check with your DofE Leader.

Small Ships Race

On the first Saturday of October we take part in the annual ASTO (Association of Sail Training Organisations) ’round-the-cans’ Small Ships Race out of Cowes on the Isle of Wight. This is a brilliant event where around 25 boats from sail training organisations from across the UK pit their wits against each other to gain one of the coveted prizes – which include Category Winners, Best Dressed Crew and Spirit of the Race. The voyage starts in Plymouth on the last Sunday of September, sailing direct to the Isle of Wight to practice for the Racing on the following Saturday, the voyage then finishes in Cowes on the Sunday. To join us in the Small Ships Race you need to have sailed with us before. Both the passage voyage and the racing are hard work, challenging, are exhilarating, rewarding and builds a real sense of teamwork.

Handy learning aids

Before you come on your voyage you could buy yourself some easy to learn marine Flip Cards, or you could put them on your birthday or Christmas wish list! They will teach you about the codes and nautical rules and come in a handy pocket size pack. They are also a great refresher if you have sailed before. We suggest these, which can be purchased direct from Flip Cards or from any chandlery in-store or online:

• Rule of the Road
• IALA Buoyage – Area A
• Lights and Shapes

RYA Yachtmaster Scheme Syllabus and Logbook

An RYA logbook can be purchased from us during your voyage, currently £8.50. If buying from elsewhere you will need the G158 version.

For more information or to book a place, please call 01752 823007 or use the ‘Get in touch’ enquiry form at the foot of this page.