“Youth leaders tell us they can achieve more during a week at sea than in months on dry land.”

A voyage at sea is a powerful, positive and effective way of working with young people, in particular, those who struggle in mainstream society. The experience takes them away from their usual environment, where for many the pressures and negative influences are detrimental to their development and well-being and places them in a confined but safe environment where, alongside their peers and fellow crew members, they face the challenges that produce positive outcomes.

Our fleet of three very different vessels, which sail from various ports around the UK, can accommodate groups of various sizes of up to 16 people. We generally take young people aged 12 to 25 years but can work outside of this in some circumstances.

What the young people we take sailing say…

  • “We grew in confidence, we believed in ourselves and in each other. We came so far in a week as people and as sailors. We became more resilient and we finished the week with a ‘can do’ attitude.”

    High school student

  • “This experience was transformative, restorative and simply out of this world.”

    Homeless charity service user

  • “I think I gained a skill to push and keep trying to achieve my goals. I think it will be beneficial for other classes and children to experience what my class and I did.”

    Special needs high school student

  • "At the end of our week I felt like we were all one big family, we all bonded incredibly well and had a laugh together, creating lifelong friendships. I think it just goes to show what came out of just saying 'yes' to something and not letting the fear of doing so take over; you just never know what will come out of it."

    Young person suffering with mental health and anxiety

  • "The excitement was something I don't think I will ever forget. It was an extraordinary experience and one that I will never forget."

    DofE Gold Residential participant

  • "Cirdan do a wonderful job at providing young people the opportunity to access and experience sea-faring, all made possible by their funding and their passion. I enjoyed myself greatly and definitely recommend it."

    Individual on Duet

  • "Who would've thought a towny with no confidence and anxiety could sail a boat around Ipswich? Not me that's for sure! I had such a great experience on Duet, I didn't want to leave. I am so thankful that I could be a part of the crew and make all those memories that are going to last a lifetime."

    Duke of Edinburgh participant

Young people and their youth leaders get involved in all aspects of running and sailing the vessel, both above and below deck – such as getting involved in planning and navigation, learning to cook for themselves and each other and keeping a tidy ship. They learn about themselves, develop an acceptance of others, develop a willingness to take controlled risks, discover hidden strengths and talents and gain an understanding of the value of working as a team.

Whilst we ask every group to make a contribution towards the voyage fee we understand the financial restraints faced by the youth sector so we raise funds for our Voyage of Discovery Fund to help you cover the costs.