Transforming Young Lives Through Sailing Watersports Encouragement Teamwork Opportunity Engagement

independent

creativity

resilience

confidence

We are the charity that creates
accessible and affordable watersports and sailing opportunities
for young people in Cornwall! 

Children’s Sailing Trust supports children through their schools or home education groups, helping them grow in confidence, competence and resilience – personal skills that last a lifetime.

Sailing and water activities are excellent forms of exercise and can have a positive impact on both physical and mental health.

Physically, sailing and paddlesports can help strengthen core muscles and improve balance, coordination, and flexibility while improving cardiovascular fitness. Just as important is mental well-being and the freedom of getting out on the water provides an escape, reducing levels of stress and anxiety.

Learning new skills and achieving personal goals can help to build selfesteem and selfconfidence, life skills that carry over into other areas of life and can have a positive impact on overall well-being and attitude. 

We also run commercial courses and sessions for groups, individuals and families on the Helford River and at Trevassack Lake, called CST Experiences. With every swim, sail and SUP session you purchase, you’ll be helping Children’s Sailing Trust’s work to create opportunities for kids to get out on the water who wouldn’t otherwise get the chance.

It has been a wonderful experience for our students, improving their mental and physical heath, learning about themselves and each other and achieving more than they thought they could, improving self esteem and confidence.

Children sailing with confidence

Support Us

The Children’s Sailing Trust is a charity founded on the Helford River, Cornwall in 1997 with an ambition to make sailing accessible to all. Through sailing young people develop attributes that are helpful in life and learning: how to be resilient and work with others; solve problems and make decisions independently. They find out about the natural world and how to keep themselves safe on the water. Starting out in sailing requires equipment and expertise. Support us in our ambition to become the leading teachers of inclusive sailing for 8-16-year olds and create the next generation of sailors.

Get Involved

Visiting Us

You can choose activities at our two fantastic venues

Helford River

The scenic Helford River is a beautiful place to learn the ropes of sailing, and with many different beaches and creeks to use, we have plenty of places to find the perfect conditions!

Trevassack Lake

Located on the scenic Lizard Peninsula, Trevassack Lake is an accessible 26-acre site dedicated to watersports and sailing activities, all on a freshwater lake that is the perfect place to practice your skills.

Supporting Us

Children’s Sailing Trust is a charity founded on the Helford River, Cornwall in 1997 with an ambition to make sailing accessible to all. Through sailing, young people develop attributes that are helpful in life and learning: how to be resilient and work with others; solve problems; make decisions independently, finding out about the natural world and how to keep themselves safe on the water. Starting out in sailing requires equipment and expertise. Support us in our ambition to become the leading teachers of inclusive sailing for 8-16 year olds and create the next generation of sailors.

Trevassack Holidays

26-acre Trevassack Lake is located on Cornwall’s remote and rugged Lizard Peninsula; the sheltered and tranquil lake is in a Cornish Area of Natural Beauty and offers a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the outside world by staying in our collection of 6 Not-for-Profit, accessible holiday properties. 

CST Experiences

Experience the freedom and life skills from being out on the water for all ages and abilities. CST Experiences are sailing and watersport activities on the Helford River and Trevassack Lake that anyone can book – with or without an instructor. From self launch with your own equipment to bespoke RYA sailing courses or powerboat instructor qualifications, there’s something for everyone, with free use of kit included – accessibility aids included.

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