One of the UK’s most historic vessels, Excelsior LT472 is a traditional Lowestoft fishing smack, built more than a century ago and now offering sailing days and adventures for all.
When a nervous teenager steps on board a sail training vessel for the first time, totally out of their comfort zone and maybe even quite scared, they have no idea that what is about to happen to them will probably fundamentally change them in some way. Vessels of varying age, rig and size across the UK take young people out to sea for these life-changing adventures. Sometimes they voyage somewhere locally on the UK coast, sometimes they cross seas to mingle with new-found friends abroad.
On the way they learn how to work as a genuinely needed part of a team (because if you do not show up for your 4am watch, everyone suffers), develop resilience (throwing up over the side but knowing that without you, dinner will not happen) and discover things about themselves they never knew (you can survive for 24 hours or more without phone signal).
AARON’S STORY
Aaron sailed with Excelsior in 2024, voyaging from Dunbar to Orkney in conditions challenging for a beginner.
Aaron said: “I felt amazing knowing that I had not given up. Just knowing that I had the strength, courage and resilience to keep going is something that I will always remember. If times get tough in my future, I am going to always remember that I am able both mentally and physically to keep going and know at the other end there will be huge rewards.”
Aaron was part of a group of young people who, for various personal reasons, were not engaging with mainstream education. Their teacher reported profound changes in each of them after the trip.
Many young people who take part in sail training are not only those who would never normally get the chance to sail, but those experiencing difficulties in their lives. Charities like Excelsior Trust spend a good deal of their resources fundraising and undertaking outreach, to make sure these young people can access the opportunity.
ADULTS WELCOMED
However, did you know that sail training is not just for youngsters? Many of the UK’s sail training vessels support their youth programmes by welcoming adult groups, and adults who complete these voyages also report similar personal transformation.
Last summer Excelsior hosted an innovative artists’ residency to the Faroe Islands, followed by an adventure from Shetland to Norway, Sweden and Denmark, and then finally Lithuania. Summer 2025 will see Excelsior embark on a similar programme, with spaces for adults to join and do their part in providing opportunities for young people.
“We cannot wait to go to Denmark this season,” said Charlotte Hathaway, Excelsior’s skipper. “The Limfjorden Rundt is a cacophony of historic Scandinavian ships all jostling for space and pulling into a different Danish port each night for a party. It is going to be so much fun.”
Afterwards, Excelsior will also offer spaces to the general public to have a fully hands-on experience sailing the ship across the North Sea back to her home port of Lowestoft.
Charlotte said: “This is going to be an amazing way to take full part in learning to sail a large traditional rig on a really special historic old lady.”
Find out more about Excelsior’s sailing programme: www.theexcelsiortrust.co.uk/2025-sailing-programme
Find out how to donate and get involved: www.theexcelsiortrust.co.uk
