Sailing organisations

Adventures Offshore offers a choice of two boats, which are 15 metre Oysters with 14 berths in each. You have a choice of 2 to 21 day voyages between April and October. Based in Essex, Adventures Offshore is ideal for young people over the age of 14 years and you don't have to be a Scout to have a go. Web site: http://www.adventuresoffshore.co.uk

Ocean Youth Trust North East offers the opportunity to take part in adventure voyages aboard the sailing vessel James Cook, which is a modern 21 metre, 18 berth steel ketch. The boat operates from East coast ports and voyages range from weekend coastal passages to longer foreign trips including the Cutty Sark Tall Ships' Races. Age range is 12 to 24. Adults sail as volunteer mates or no occasional special adult voyages. Web site: http://www.oyt-ne.org.uk

Ocean Youth Trust Scotland sails in Alba Venturer. She was launched in 1999 and is one of the most modern in Europe. Her sailing grounds cover the West Coast of Scotland. OYT Scotland promotes the development of young people aged 12 -24 years. Web site: http://www.oytscotland.org.uk

The Jubilee Sailing Trust offers adventure holidays aboard its two tall ships, the Lord Nelson and Tenacious, for physically disabled and able-bodied people. Both ships are specially designed to enable everyone on board to take a full and active part in crewing the ships. Voyages last between four and 10 days and run off the Canary Islands, around the UK and further afield. Bookings are welcome from anyone over the age of 16 years and each voyage includes an equal mix of 40 able-bodied and physically disabled individuals. There are 10 professional crew on each ship including medical pursers. Web site: http://www.jst.org.uk

The Meridian Trust Association currently operate four boats with a further two to be introduced soon. Most of the boats accommodate eight people. The voyages are available for 14 to 25 year olds and they also offer adult sailing courses in the Solent. Web site: http://www.asto.org.uk/meridian.htm

The Rona Trust (London Sailing Project) is a voluntary project aimed at helping young men acquire the attributes of a seaman, namely, a sense of reponsibility, resourcefulness and teamwork, which will help them throughout their lives. It operates three sail training ketches; Rona II, Donald Searle and Helen Mary R. Web site: http://www.ronatrust.com

Ocean Youth Trust North West sails the 76 ft steel ketch Greater Manchester Challenge. Voyages last for about one week and are aimed at 12 - 24 year olds. They visit anywhere from SouthWales to Ireland or Scotland. Web site: http://www.oyt.org.uk/oytnw

The Cirdan Trust provides young people with the opportunity of sailing in four large sailing vessels - Duet, Excelsior, Faramir and Queen Galadriel. Operating from various ports around the country the voyages vary in length and on trips of five days or more crew members can gain RYA competant crew certificates and complete their Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Residential award scheme. Web site: http://www.cirdansailing.com

The Morning Star Trust operates the 62ft ketch Morning Star of Revelation and is based in Kent. She sails in the Tall Ships Race as well as shorter voyages closer to home. Young people of 15 years and over can participate. Web site: http://www.morningstar.org.uk

The East Coast Sail Trust provides five-day educational cruises on board the Thames sailing barge Thalatta. Voyages are aimed at nine to 16 year olds in school or youth groups. Web site: http://www.thalatta.cjb.net