Introducing The Cirdan Sailing Trust Youth View
We are pleased to welcome six members to The Cirdan Sailing Trust Youth View forum, who will help us shape the future of the Trust.
The forum will meet several times a year to discuss ideas and share opinions on subjects that matter, make suggestions for our voyages and have their voices heard.
Chloe - Chairperson
Chloe first joined a Cirdan sailing residential in 2019 with Stevenage Education Support Centre, a small educational support centre for young people who have social, emotional and mental health challenges. This was onboard Duet and Chloe quickly gained a passion for sailing. Since then, she has sailed on all three of our vessels, helping other young people to learn and develop. As Chloe says, being out on the water is “my happy place.”
Dominic - Secretary
Dominic completed his Gold Duke of Edinburgh Residential onboard Duet in 2019, and has since become a Dinghy Sailing Instructor and has obtained his Day Skipper certificate, taking part in lots of dingy and yacht sailing. Dominic is also a DofE UK Youth Ambassador, aiming to make the award scheme more accessible to those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
”I love sailing and my experience with Cirdan pushed me to get into sailing 'big boats'. It also showed me though how sailing can be such a force for good - everyone on Duet was from completely different walks of life (we had people from top private schools and from the care system) and I found myself in the middle of it all, having to learn to get on and bond with people I didn't think I had much in common with. Our week on board Duet saw us become great friends and I am still in contact with some of them today.”
Steven
Steven sailed this year with his school class onboard Queen Galadriel, and instantly feel in love with life onboard, proving himself to be a worthy member of crew and stepping up in a leadership role. Steven has since been back onboard Queen Galadriel to gain more experience and help build his confidence.
Harley
Harley has sailed on Faramir several times, previously as a member of a youth group based in the Northeast. His time onboard our voyages led him to pursue a career in the merchant navy. Harley started a deck cadetship with Carnival UK, where he gained significant practical and theoretical knowledge, including Powerboat Level 2 certification and advanced training in chart work, tides, and ship stability.
”I aim to inspire and shape the minds of young and disadvantaged individuals by showcasing the unique and empowering experiences that sailing offers, ensuring they recognise the incredible personal growth and opportunities it provides.”
Smile
Smile’s first introduction to Cirdan, or indeed any form of sailing, was onboard Faramir as a volunteer youth leader with a group of young adults in the northeast from a very diverse mix of racial and cultural backgrounds, and she instantly fell in love with spending time at sea. Heralding from northern India and studying at university in the northeast of England, Smile brings a rather unique point of view to the forum and is extremely keen to get back out on the water and help/ volunteer with other groups in the future.
Emma
Emma is new to Cirdan this year, having experienced her first sailing residential in May 2024, sailing onboard Faramir from Cardiff to Holyhead. She absolutely fell in love with life onboard and sailing, and is keen to volunteer for Cirdan.
Interested in joining?
Drop us an email on info@cirdantrust.org with a few words about why you want to get involved.