East Coast Sail Trust - sailing barge Thalatta

The East Coast Sail Trust, as a non profit-making charity, runs cruises for young people, some of whom are disadvantaged and typically we operate through contacts with schools nationwide.  

We have successfully provided this sail training for over forty years and dealt with 9,000 children in that time and testimonies confirm that the work done by the Trust with young people is life-changing. This is particularly evident where the young people come from disadvantaged backgrounds or have behavioural problems, and they are presented with an alternative way of life aboard Thalatta which introduces teamwork, loyalty, dependence upon the group, independent thought, problem solving, etc; ie youth opportunities.  Many leave Thalatta having had the most rewarding week of their lives and this remains with them into the future.

The educational element of a cruise is its wide brief, ranging from seamanship skills (navigation, helming and sailing the barge, safety, using the dinghies, using the tides to best effect), problem solving, environmental awareness, developing trust and loyalty through teambuilding, understanding maritime legacy, through to catering and keeping the ship in order.  

Much of these skills call upon use and knowledge of Physics (sailing and handling the ship), Biology to appreciate the fragile environment, and Maths when measuring angles in navigation, History in the context of maritime evolution and English when writing up the daily log, but all in a practical context.

We are also available to adults and the general public when not involved with children.

The Trust is also committed to preserving a heritage maritime vessel. We operate a Thames sailing barge, Thalatta, which we have recently totally restored.