Get On Board

There is the adventure of the sea and the thrill of sailing on an ocean-going yacht. There are new places to visit, some of which can only be reached by boat. There are new things to learn and friends to make. But remember, it is often challenging, so the more you put into it, the more you gain.

We have three Sail Training yachts, between 62 and 75 feet in length (19 to 23 metres) that have been designed and fitted out by us specifically for Sail Training. Each is crewed by a highly experienced volunteer Afterguard and a crew of 12 to 15 young people in 3 age groups; 14-16 year olds and 16-19 year and 18-25 year olds.  Awards are issued to crew members who try their best and show commitment to the voyage. Award winners are often invited back to train as Watch Leaders and join us as future Afterguard and work their way up the ranks. Over half of our Skippers started out as nervous trainees!

Financial help to get on board

If the cost of getting on board is a worry, please contact us (office@ronasailingproject.org.uk or 01489 885098) about the bursaries available to you.

Life on Board

Our aim is not to produce sailors, but more rounded individuals able to work in a team and discover their potential. What many youngsters who come sailing with us find is that the biggest challenge is working in a team, not just to sail the boat, but to cook and clean as well.

Whilst you are on board there is plenty to learn and do and it is hard but rewarding work. Whether it is the excitement of steering a large and powerful yacht under full sail, navigating using the latest satellite systems or preparing a meal for 20 hungry crew-mates, it will all be a new adventure.

Where Do We Sail?

The yachts sail all along the South Coast of England and across to France and the Channel Islands on six-day voyages. Sailing a large ocean-going yacht is one of the most exciting adventures that you can have.

It’s not just the sailing that is the adventure but there is usually time to visit lively seaside ports like Weymouth and quiet anchorages with unspoilt sandy beaches (perfect for barbecues).

If you are over 16 you will probably visit small French ports like Honfleur or St Vaast that the ferries can’t reach, putting the romance and adventure back into crossing the Channel. Sitting in a French cafe with your fellow crewmates is even better if you’ve sailed there

The Crew Handbook

We have developed a Crew Handbook to help you prepare for your voyage. It gives you joining instructions, a kit list and including the following:

• What kit shall I bring?
• What happens during my voyage?
• Who’s who in the Afterguard?
• Who will the other Crew Members be?
• Where will we go?
• How do the Watches work?
• What rules are there on board?

Download the Crew Handbook.

When you decide to sign up to a voyage give us a call and start planning your adventure!