Youth Development Programme

A voyage on board ‘Maybe’ is a fantastic opportunity to learn new skills and face exciting challenges.

Maybe Sailing is a non-profit making organisation offering sail training opportunities for all ages. We strongly believe in the benefits of sail training as a role in youth development. Our aim is to provide young people, aged 12- 25 years old, with an unforgettable sailing experience where they can develop valuable life skills.

Maybe Sailing offers sailing voyages from short sails of 1-4 days to longer sails including taking part in the prestigious Tall Ships Races annually. The short sails are for groups of up to 12 trainees (students + teachers) and are aimed at schools, colleges and youth groups.

No previous sailing experience is required as all training will be provided by our fully trained members of crew.

Benefits of Sailing

Sail training provides rewarding and exciting opportunities for young people to develop valuable life skills:

• Develop teamwork and mutual trust
• Take responsibility
• Gain respect for themselves and others
• Work with new people
• Learn from ‘hands on’ experiences
• Overcome challenges and develop the ability to solve problems
• Practise leadership skills
• Develop communication skills
• Experience an unfamiliar environment
• Build new relationships
• Show initiative
• Enjoy living and working with others
• Experience residential voyages

Sail training is a challenging and fun way to develop self-confidence and change lives.  It provides and intense, structured environment with defined boundaries and a clear purpose: the successful completion of a voyage.
Participants learn to manage themselves and interact with others, dramatically boosting their self-awarness and confidence.
There are no contrived situations on a sail training voyage: you really do need to work together in order to achieve a successful outcome.  In addition, the sheer exhilaration of harnessing the elements engenders enthusiasm and a feeling of achievement.

Future Benefits

We passionately believe that sail training can make the difference.

Statistics from 2010-2011 for young people involved in a sail training youth programme have shown an increased percentage for retainment in compulsary education, improved reports and awards, reduced criminal activity, reduced drug activity and this is just a few.

• Enhance to further education
• Enhance individual & social responsibility
• Enhance self-discipline
• Enhance confidence
• Increase employability
• Increase independance & survival

UK Sail Training Governing Bodies

There are 3 main UK governing bodies for sailing.

The RYA (Royal Yachting Association) promotes enjoyabe, safe and successful UK sailing.  It is committed to providing a safe environment for young people to enjoy sailing, and has a recognised syllabus, awards and training programme. 

ASTO (Association of Sail Training Organisations) promotes UK Sail Training as a fun and adventurous activity for people of all ages and abilities as it uses the experience of being at sea as a mans to help people learn about themselves, discover hidden strengths and talents, and understand the value of working as a team.

Sail Training International began the development and education of young people through the sail training experience, regardless of nationality, culture, religion, gender or social background and was formed in 2002.

Maybe Sailing are not trying to start something new.  Sail training has proven to be one of the most effective tools to educate, engage and provide those necessary life-skills so desperatly needed by youth today.  We have had great success with previous Youth Programme sails, if you think this is the ideal excursion for your school, college or youth group contact us now for further information and also check our 2012 Voyage Programme for available dates.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my school trial the sailing and the boat before we bring the students?

Yes, we offer short introduction day sails for your chosen teaching staff to experience the boat and the sailing before bringing the students on board.  Usually this is 4-2 weeks before your school sailing trip.  Just ask us about availability when making your booking.

2. Can we have a presentation and/or talk at our school?

Yes, we are more than happy to visit your school and make a short and informal presentation about the sail training opportunities we offer.

3. What if some of my students cannot swim?

There are no safety issues regarding students who are unable to swim.  Before any of the students go near the boat they have their first safety brieing including putting on their life jackets.  Life jackets will be worn at all times when on deck.

4. How many places are available on each trip?

We have up to 12 places available for each sail.  In addition there will be 3-4 permanent crew. 

5. How do we decide on the teacher : student ratio?

This is likely to be decided by your specific school's policies, for example; some schools only allow trips using a minibus with a minimum of 2 teachers (one to drive and one to supervise) therefore it would make sense for 2 teachers and 10 students.  

6. Do we take student gender in to consideration?

Something to consider is that the student sleeping arrangements include a 6-berth bunk and two 2-berth bunks.  Therefore perhaps you would choose to bring 6 boys and 4 girls or vice versa.  The two teaching staff will be sharing another 2-berth bunk.

7. How can we pick the right teachers?

After discussing the successes of previous school sailing trips with the participating teachers it was highlighted how important it is to choose the right teachers to accompany the students.  The teachers need to be out-going and be interested in getting the most out of the experience for the students.  The teachers must also be prepared with lots of entertainment just in case there is some bad weather, limiting the sailing time.

8. How common is sea-sickness?

We recommend sailing to everyone, even those who say they get sea-sick.  Taking sea-sickness pills can ease the problems, but mostly it is 'mind over matter' and keeping busy keeps your mind off being ill.  The only exception we make is if someone gets car sick, in this case, sailing maybe not be the activiity for them.

9. How can I get my Head Teacher to agree to the activity?

Maybe Sailing has undergone all Risk Assessments and follows all the relevant Health and Safety policies.  We have paperwork available to send schools upon request.  All the permanent crew are trained by the RYA and are CRB checked.  Sail training is an opportunity to extend the curriculum with known positive benefits. 

10. What is the youngest students you can take on board?

Currently we have a minimum age of 12 years old, but we are hosting a pilot scheme for 10 and 11 year old Primary School children in March 2012 and hope to be able to offer places down to a minimum age of 10 years soon.