Association of Sea Training Organisations

"SAIL TO ADVENTURE"

Offshore sailing for young people

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FUNDING AND DONATIONS

An offshore sailing voyage on a sail training vessel is a very effective way of assisting young and disabled people to realise their full potential.

ASTO member organisations throughout the British Isles, operate a wide range of sail training vessels, from 15 metre modern Bermudan sloops to 65 metre Barques carrying over 60 people. Whilst the vessels are diverse, the aims of their sail training voyages are very similar and include:

• Developing team-work, mutual trust and a greater understanding of other people
• Raising self-esteem and confidence
• Inspiring disaffected youth so that they contribute to their communities in a more positive way
• Encouraging a sense of responsibility
• Helping young and disabled people to become more resourceful and fulfil their potential
• Increasing an awareness and respect for the environment

Offshore and ocean sailing takes place in a hazardous environment so the vessels require the best safety equipment and they need to be manned by highly qualified and experienced staff and volunteers. Consequently a sail training vessel is costly to operate. ASTO and its members are most grateful for the generous funding support that they have received from many charitable trusts, companies and individuals.

One of the most generous benefactors to sail training has been the international best selling author Ralph Hammond Innes. He was a yachtsman of considerable note and a strong believer in the effectiveness and benefits that sail training brings to young people. He left the bulk of his estate to ASTO which has provided an enduring legacy and his generosity means that ASTO's member organisations are able to provide a great many more young people, who might not otherwise be able to afford the full voyage fees, with the benefits of offshore sailing.

ASTO and its members still rely on donations to ensure that sail training remains accessible and affordable for every young and disabled person in the UK. If you are interested in donating to ASTO, or leaving a gift to ASTO in your Will, please contact the ASTO Office for a Funding and Donations pack.