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Transforming Young Lives Through Sailing

Our mission is to inspire young people to reach their potential by building skills for life through sailing

Our mission is to inspire young people to reach their potential by building skills for life through sailing

Children’s Sailing Trust is a charity with the ambition to make sailing accessible to all. Through sailing, young people develop attributes that are helpful in life and learning: how to be resilient and work with others; solve problems; make decisions independently, finding out about the natural world and how to keep themselves safe on the water.

Starting out in sailing requires equipment and expertise – which is where we come in. There are so many barriers to sailing; cost and opportunity being at the forefront, yet the impact is priceless. We’re here to break down those barriers and so more people can benefit from the transformative effects of being on the water.

Our Story

Our founder, John Green MBE, recalled the ‘life-changing experience, confidence and skills’ he gained from learning to sail as a young boy. That experience was, and still is, the inspiration for the Trust. 

He wished every child could experience that freedom and joy for themselves. In 1997 he decided to do something about it…

It was John who chose the three pillars by which we measure progress from whatever level of ability a young person starts at – we aim to improve these three life skills by having lots of fun on the water, from deciding to try on a wetsuit for the first time, to achieving RYA sailing qualifications…and beyond!

Every person is different and each achievement their own.

confidence

competence

resilience

CASE STUDIES

The impact of our work is far-reaching.

Read Case Studies about a few of our fantastic students and how they progressed during their time with CST and beyond.

Positive Mental and Physical Well-Being

Sailing and water activities are excellent forms of exercise and can have a positive impact on both physical and mental health.

Physically, sailing and paddlesports can help strengthen core muscles and improve balance, coordination, and flexibility while improving cardiovascular fitness. Just as important is mental well-being and the freedom of getting out on the water provides an escape, reducing levels of stress and anxiety andboosting overall happiness. Trevassack Lake in particular can provide a calm and peaceful environment for those with SEND requirements,

To extend our reach to all ages and abilities, we also run public courses and sessions for groups, individuals and families on the Helford River and at Trevassack Lake, called CST Experiences. With every swim, sail and SUP session you purchase, you’ll be helping Children’s Sailing Trust’s work to create opportunities for kids to get out on the water who wouldn’t otherwise get the chance.

Supporting Us

Children’s Sailing Trust is a charity founded on the Helford River, Cornwall in 1997 with an ambition to make sailing accessible to all. Through sailing, young people develop attributes that are helpful in life and learning: how to be resilient and work with others; solve problems; make decisions independently, finding out about the natural world and how to keep themselves safe on the water. Starting out in sailing requires equipment and expertise. Support us in our ambition to become the leading teachers of inclusive sailing for 8-16 year olds and create the next generation of sailors.

Tell me more

It takes all sorts to keep our world turning so if you want to get involved or just like what we do, read on friend:

Schools & Groups

Did you know your group may be eligible for up to 16 weeks of free or greatly subsidised sailing courses at either Trevassack Lake or Helford River?

I'm a supporter or volunteer

We wouldn’t be where we are today without your help! From getting stuck in to simply spreading the word, you are our advocate and we love you!

I would like to donate

It’s people like you that allow us to do what we do! Here’s a little video showing what your money goes towards and the massive impact it has.

Good Things

Good things come from giving. And we’ve been very lucky to receive tremendous support from the community over the past three decades as we’ve worked towards getting more and more young people the opportunities they deserve.

Committed Giving, where donations are set up to pay on a regular basis, can be as little as £10 a month, but the impact can be priceless.

DONATE