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Ocean Youth Trust South offers adventure under sail as a personal development opportunity to young people aged 12-25 from the widest possible range of backgrounds. Our boat, John Laing, is an immensely strong 72ft steel ketch, which was designed specifically for sail training. We sail mainly on the south coast of England, often visiting France and the Channel Islands, but there are occasional trips further afield including STI Tall Ships' Races. We can offer RYA Start Yachting, Competent Crew and Watch Leader certificates as well as the residential component of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. John Laing has accommodation for up to 12 young crew (individuals or a group), plus 5 or 6 adult sea staff. We are always keen to welcome new volunteer sea staff.
We aim to challenge everyone who sails with us to achieve something they never thought they would be able to do. The staff make a promise to every crew member, "Whatever energy and enthusiasm you put into the voyage, the sea staff will match and beat it." And, while our first priority is always safety, our style is deliberately very relaxed and informal. Libby Purves, broadcaster and ASTO board member, described us in The Times as, "The larkiest of sail training organisations."