Sail Training

The London to Portland Small Ships Race is an event for offshore Sail Training vessels crewed by young people from the age of 12 to 25. It will take place from the 9th to the 17th June 2012. A fleet of up to 20 Sail Training vessels will take part, with approximately 200 young crew from the ages of 12 upwards.  Vessel Entry is open

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   to take part in this fantastic adventure. No previous sailing experience is needed as the staff on board will teach you everything you need to know. Young people taking part will get involved in all aspects of running the boat, including taking the helm, keeping a lookout, setting sails, even cooking and keeping the boat shipshape! You will make new friends, laugh a lot and ovrecome new challenges together.

The reason for calling this a Small Ships Race is that it runs along the same lines as a Tall Ships Race (i.e. at least half of the crew on each vessel have to be under 25) The vessels taking part are typically under 90 feet with 12 trainee crew on average. The charities operating the vessels use Sail Training to provide life changing opportunities for young and disabled people from across the UK. Sail Training happens all year round, all around the UK, but it is rare that all the boats and groups of young people come together in an event like this.

How can I get involved?

Many of the boats taking part still have spaces for individuals and for youth groups. Contact the boat links below for more information.

Participating boats are This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  (OYT North), John Laing (OYT South), Jolie Brise, Johanna Lucretia, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  (Island Trust), This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Paddiywack, Spirit of Fairbridge, Tectona (Island Trust), This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  (Island Trust), Pelican of London and This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  (Trinity Sailing).

Funding is now available for individuals who are struggling to raise the full cost of their berth fee. Please write to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with details of which boat you are booked on, what you need to pay, how much you have already raised and how, and how much you still need. Your request will then be assessed and you will hear back from us as soon as possible. This funding has been made available by the generous assistance of the Goldsmiths' Company, and the Worshipful Company of Innholders.

Funding is also available from the James Myatt Trust, details on how to apply are here.  

Event Timings

9th – 11th June 2012 Fleet gathers West India Docks, London

10th June 2012 Crew Activity Day, West India Docks

10th June 2012 Skippers and VIP reception at Trinity House (this event supported by Brewin Dolphin and Trinity House)

11th June 2012 Race starts 1600 off Southend Pier

15th June 2012 Fleet arrive in Portland Marina

16th June 2012 Round-the-cans race Weymouth Bay

16th June 2012 Prize giving at W&P National Sailing Academy

17th June 2012 Fleet disperse

Sail Training is a challenging and fun way to develop self-confidence and change lives. It is not so much about learning to sail, but uses the experience of being at sea as a means to help people learn about themselves, discover hidden strengths and talents, and understand the value of working as a team. Participants learn to manage themselves and interact with others, dramatically boosting their self-awareness and confidence.

ASTO (Association of Sail Training Organisations) exists to promote Sail Training and to support the provision of Sail Training opportunities in the United Kingdom. Our members include the Ocean Youth Trust, Tall Ships Youth Trust, Jubilee Sailing Trust, Fairbridge (Prince's Trust) and Ellen McArthur Cancer Trust, amongst others. We believe that everybody, regardless of age, ability, background or status should be able to experience the challenge and adventure that Sail Training offers.

For more details please contact ASTO on: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   or telephone 02392 503222.