Home Educated young people aged 12–18 can take part in a 5 night sail training voyage designed to develop confidence, teamwork, and nautical skills. These voyages follow a similar itinerary to the adventure sailing weeks and include opportunities to gain RYA qualifications while experiencing life on board a traditional vessel. Participants live and learn aboard historic yachts, working together to sail, cook, and manage day-to-day vessel life.
Participants take an active role in all aspects of life on board, including steering, hoisting sails, navigation exercises, and rowing ashore. Meals and cleaning duties are shared among the crew, encouraging teamwork and independence.
The week-long voyage explores the south Devon and Cornwall coasts, with stops at sheltered harbours, beaches, and coves for swimming, exploring, or barbecues. Wildlife spotting is part of the experience, and exceptional weather can allow a journey to the Isles of Scilly.
Every voyage follows the RYA Cruising syllabus, allowing participants to earn Start Yachting or Competent Crew certificates. These qualifications, combined with practical seamanship skills, provide a strong foundation for further sailing or personal development.
Day 1 – Embark Plymouth Yacht Haven, safety briefing, sailing activity, evening meal, icebreaker session.
Day 2 – Morning sail, navigation lesson, afternoon sailing, evening review, free time ashore.
Day 3 – Sailing, knot-tying practice, afternoon sail, evening review, social time ashore.
Day 4 – Sailing, more knot work, evening planning for night sail, overnight watch rotation.
Day 5 – Day of sailing and instruction, evening review, relaxed group time.
Day 6 – Morning sail back to Plymouth, secure vessel, clean down, debrief, disembark.
Voyages depart from Plymouth and sail along the scenic south Devon and Cornwall coasts. Routes are chosen according to weather, ensuring safe and enjoyable conditions while visiting harbours, coves, and small islands.
Good weather may allow further sailing to the Isles of Scilly, providing opportunities for beach visits, swimming, and wildlife observation. The diverse locations enhance both practical sailing experience and enjoyment of the local environment.
Accommodation is on board traditional sailing vessels, with shared bunks and communal living spaces. All meals are included, prepared by the crew under supervision, fostering teamwork and responsibility.
Life on board teaches independence, problem-solving, and self-reliance, as participants take turns with daily tasks and watch duties. The vessel provides a comfortable and safe environment throughout the voyage.
Johanna Lucretia – Two-masted topsail schooner, spacious decks ideal for group sailing, handling larger sails, and experiencing traditional tall ship operations.
Moosk – Classic 1906 gaff yawl, smaller and intimate, perfect for hands-on rigging practice and traditional seamanship training.
No prior sailing experience is necessary. Participants should be capable of coping with life at sea, following instructions, and working as part of a team.
Young people need enthusiasm and a willingness to learn, with all safety equipment, waterproofs, and supervision provided on board.
These voyages provide home educated participants with a unique opportunity to develop practical sailing skills, independence, and confidence. Experienced staff guide all aspects of life aboard, ensuring a supportive and engaging learning environment.
Using historic vessels and proven RYA training methods, young sailors gain qualifications, teamwork experience, and social skills that extend beyond the voyage. This is a chance to enjoy an active, immersive learning experience with peers who share similar interests.
These voyages are exclusively for home educated young people aged 13–18. Participants should be capable of benefiting from sail training without special care requirements.
The experience is suitable for beginners as well as those with some sailing experience. Voyages focus on teamwork, independence, and personal development in a supportive environment.
No previous experience is necessary. Qualified instructors provide full guidance in all aspects of sailing, from steering and sail handling to navigation and ropework.
Participants gain confidence quickly as they rotate through different tasks on board. By the end of the week, they will be competent in practical seamanship skills.
Voyages follow the RYA Cruising syllabus and most include the option to gain Start Yachting or Competent Crew certificates.
Participants maintain a logbook of skills and hours, which is useful for future RYA courses or personal records. The voyage can also contribute towards DofE Residential requirements if applicable.
Routes are along the south Devon and Cornwall coasts, chosen according to weather conditions. Participants visit harbours, coves, and small islands, enjoying a mix of sailing and shore activities.
In ideal weather, the voyage may extend to the Isles of Scilly, offering opportunities for swimming, beach visits, and wildlife observation.
Crew members are actively involved in all aspects of the vessel, including steering, navigation, hoisting sails, cooking, and cleaning.
Evenings are for relaxing on deck, socialising, and reviewing the day’s activities. Living on board encourages teamwork, independence, and self-confidence.
All voyages are run under the supervision of experienced, qualified sailing instructors. Safety equipment, including lifejackets and waterproofs, is provided for every participant.
Staff provide guidance on all onboard tasks and shore visits, with clear instructions and emergency procedures briefed at the start of the voyage.
Itineraries are adapted to ensure safety and learning continues, with routes and activities adjusted according to wind, tides, and sea conditions.
Even in less favourable weather, participants continue training, navigation exercises, and seamanship tasks, gaining skills in a safe environment.
Accommodation is on board traditional sailing vessels with shared bunks and communal living spaces. Meals are included and prepared under supervision.
Life on board fosters independence and responsibility, with participants rotating through tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and watch duties.
About the centre
Plymouth Yacht Haven, Shaw Way, Mount Batten, Plymouth, PL9 9XH
We partner with Rewilding Britain to help protect our natural spaces for future adventures.
All centres are vetted for safety and quality. Your adventure is in good hands with adventuro.
Operated by The Island Trust, a partner of adventuro.
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