Youth charters

The Cirdan Sailing Trust works with young people, from all types of youth organisation and welcomes groups from mainstream schooling, uniformed groups etc but we specialise in working with disadvantaged young people. These disadvantages cover the full range of social, mental and physical difficulties including low income, exclusion, special needs, young offenders, visual and hearing impairment, rehabilitation and learning difficulties. Unfortunately we are not able to sail with young people who require a wheelchair or have severe mobility or medical restrictions.

Groups of young people, aged 12 to 25 generally come on board with their youth leaders. The ratio of youth to leaders will depend on their particular needs but generally we would suggest a minimum of 2 leaders or more on the larger vessels. It may be necessary to have a higher leader to young person ratio, depending upon the needs and behaviour of the group.

The voyage can be incorporated into an on-going programme - this works particularly well when the group have been working on a project together as it reinforces all the skills that have been learned through the programme. Alternatively, some leaders use the residential to create an intense team building situation for new recruits to their programme. Others just want their young people, in particular those on alternative education programme, to develop life skills whilst having fun and adventure in a controlled but challenging environment. The Trust operates a Voyage of Discovery Fund to ensure the opportunity we offer is available to everyone.

The experience and benefits gained can clearly be measured against desired outcomes as highlighted by our youth leaders. Amongst these are developments in self-confidence, sense of achievement, team building, tolerance, facing challenges and sense of responsibility. Recent evaluation of the benefits gained from Cirdan’s Voyage of Discovery indicate that our youth leaders consider that significant or moderate developments were gained at an average level of 90% and above.

Whatever the needs of your group or the requirements of your programme we make every effort to adapt the voyage to suit. We encourage leaders to discuss their aims and objectives with the Skipper before the voyage commences.

See also Youth development