Sail Training

ASTO - The Association of Sail Training Organisations is the UK's National Sail Training Organisation.  ASTO is a registered charity (no. 1083059) and company registered in England and Wales (no.4084476).  ASTO's members are the organisations that operate the 50 strong UK Sail Training fleet. 

ASTO's mission is to promote Sail Training and to support the UK Sail Training industry. It achieves this in a variety of ways:

• Organise events, such as Small Ships Races,  to help bring Sail Training into the public eye.
• Working with our international partners to organise and fund International Exchanges for young people that have experienced the UK sail Training experience.
• Working closely with regulatory and governing bodies such as the  Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) and the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) to ensure appropriate levels of training and regulation exist within the Sail Training industry.
• Acts as a forum for its member organisations to promote the sharing of best practice
• The monitoring of compliance with the conditions of membership, which include policies and procedures in addition to those those required by the regulatory frame work set out by the UK flag. An example of this is child protection or ratios of supervision.

ASTO is pro-active in developing the safety standards within sail training and provides grants to help its members train and qualify their sea staff and volunteers. ASTO also represents its members, where central representation is needed. For example, it has played a part in advising government policy in the production of codes of practice for sailing vessels.

ASTO also provides its member organisations with regular grants so that they are able to operate their own bursary schemes to ensure that Sail Training is accessible to all, regardless of age or ability.

The footprint of UK Sail Training covers the whole of the British Isles, with a hugely diverse fleet: from large square riggers to powerful round-the-world yachts; ultramodern designs to timeless classics. Many vessels are able take people with disabilities, including full wheelchair access.