Sail Training is a challenging and fun way to develop self-confidence and change lives. It provides an intense, structured environment with defined boundaries and a clear common purpose: the successful completion of a voyage. Participants learn to manage themselves and interact with others, dramatically boosting their self-awareness and confidence.
There are no contrived situations on a Sail Training voyage: you really do need to work together in order to achieve a successful outcome. In addition, the sheer exhilaration of harnessing the elements engenders enthusiasm and a feeling of achievement.
There is a 10 minute video about the Sail Training experience on this site under 'What is Sail Training?'
Many successful youth organisations use Sail Training as part of their programme. Amongst others, these include Fairbridge, the Wheatsheaf Trust, the Princes Trust, the Scouts and Sea Cadets. Even the NHS have got involved by supporting the Cat Zero programme that has shown exceptional results.
Occupational Therapy Article by Rachel Wright, courtesy of COT/OTnews
Testimonials from trainees on board Alba Endeavour and Explorer
As well as a vast amount of anecdotal evidence, several research papers on the effectiveness of Sail Training have been published:
ASTO Theory of Change and measurement framework: how Sail Training brings about outcomes, and tools to measure these. Tools intended for ASTO members to produce their own outcome statistics.
Steering a course towards Eudaimonia:the effects of Sail Training on well-being and character. Eric Fletcher and Heather Prince, Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, 2017. Summary and full paper.
Facilitation in Sail Training: Observing facilitator behaviour as a contributing factor in the development of young people. Rebecca Hind, University of Edinburgh. Summary
Enhancing resilience in youth through a 10-day developmental voyage, Hayhurst, Hunter, Kafka and Boyes. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, 2013 Full Paper
In 2016, ASTO and STI collaborated in a literature review into longer term outcomes:
Protocol (details of which studies the literature review included)
The relationship between short-term outcomes and long-term outcomes produced by outdoor adventure programmes: A rapid review
University of Edinburgh:
The Characteristics and Value of the Sail Training Experience (summary)
The full research paper can be found here
Jessica Roberts (unpublished University of Southampton 4th year medical student project)
Sailing as an intervention to enhance psychosocial wellbeing in children and young adults treated for cancer
Luke McCarthy (Dissertation for Msc in Youth Participation):
Comparing Sail Training and landbased youth development activities
Young Endeavour Youth Scheme & The University of Sydney:
Sailing into the Future
Links to more research can be found on the pages of Sail Training International
