UK sail training sector's 47,000+ days at sea amid rising need for youth development opportunities

Ocean Youth Trust Scotland © OYT

The UK's sail training sector delivered more than 47,000 days at sea in 2025, according to a new review published today by the Association of Sail Training Organisations (ASTO), highlighting both the scale of the sector and the rising need for structured, skills-based experiences at sea.

ASTO's Spring 2026 Impact Review shows that its member organisations collectively delivered:

• 1,334 voyages
• 47,467 days at sea
• 10,684 participants supported

Representing more than 30 organisations with charitable aims, operating over 60 vessels, ASTO's members provide residential sail training experiences that combine practical seamanship, teamwork and shared responsibility at sea.

The review highlights the scale of a sector rooted in seamanship, safety and professionalism, with organisations operating a diverse fleet of vessels and delivering structured, residential adventures.

Kerry McMillan, Chief Executive of ASTO, said: "The need for sail training is increasing, particularly among young people who lack opportunities to build confidence and valuable life skills. This review demonstrates the scale of what the sector already delivers, and the importance of sustaining capacity across the UK fleet."

The review comes at a time of increasing need, with over one million young people in the UK estimated to be not in education, employment or training (NEET). Sail training organisations are responding by providing accessible routes into structured, skills-based development through partnerships with schools, charities and open-access programmes.

Included in the review is a variety of member stories and case studies showing the long-term impact of sail training. One example is KB who joined a voyage while facing significant mental health challenges and unstable accommodation. During the programme he achieved 100% attendance and completed six qualifications, including RYA Competent Crew.

With support from staff, KB moved into safer housing, secured part-time work and began managing his mental health more confidently. Nearly three years later, he is living independently and working full-time, illustrating the lasting outcomes sail training can help create.

Participants take on real onboard roles, from setting sails, completing the logbooks to steering the ship, all of which contribute to the safe operation of the vessel. These tasks are meaningful and time-critical giving young people firsthand experience of teamwork as a lived reality rather than a theoretical concept.

The review also reinforces the sector's role in supporting the wider maritime workforce pipeline. For some participants, these experiences open the door to a potential career in the maritime sector, with ASTO providing training bursaries to help them take the next step.

Vice Admiral Sir Jerry Kyd KBE, President of ASTO, said: "As a life-long sailor and a career mariner myself, I know very well the power of the sea and the life-changing opportunities that come from being tested in this challenging environment.

"For so many young, disadvantaged and disabled people, sail training has given them an opportunity to experience something very different, and we know from direct evidence and experience that it improves their lives for the better, and, importantly, for the long-term. For young people facing mental health challenges, for those who struggle in traditional education settings, and for disabled people."

The review also highlights ASTO's role in representing the sector nationally, engaging with regulators, policymakers, and partners to support safe operations and long-term sustainability of the sector.

With need continuing to rise, the review identifies ongoing challenges around capacity, resourcing and access. ASTO is calling for greater collaboration across the maritime, youth and policy sectors to ensure more people can benefit from sail training opportunities in the future.

The full Spring 2026 Impact Review is available here.