Children’s Sailing Trust has completed the renovation of Carwinion Boathouse at Porth Sawson beach on the Helford River, safeguarding a vital base for its charitable sailing programmes.
The landowners allow use of Porth Sawsen beach, while the boathouse itself is leased from the National Trust with Children’s Sailing Trust being responsible for maintaining the building. In 2025, it became clear that significant renovation work was required to keep the boathouse safe and operational, with costs running into many thousands of pounds.
Funding for the project was generously provided by the Tanner Phoenix Trust, facilitated by Cornwall Community Foundation, who committed £9,500 towards the work which enabled the project to proceed.
Delivering the renovation presented exceptional challenges. Carwinion Boathouse has no vehicle access, no on-site facilities, and is located directly on a public footpath on an exposed beach. All materials had to be transported by sea, with work carefully planned around tides, weather conditions, beach use and the Trust’s own operational schedule during the sailing season.
Local company Shield Marine Services undertook the project, with Marine Operations Director Martin Emmett leading the works. Shield Marine Services worked closely with the Trust, implementing cost controls to bring the project in on budget and navigating the complex logistics required to complete the build.
Jakie Jewell, CEO of Children’s Sailing Trust, said: “Renovating Carwinion Boathouse was always going to be a huge challenge. Finding a contractor willing and able to take on a project with no access, no facilities and such a demanding location felt almost impossible. Shield Marine Services delivered this project with total professionalism, craftsmanship and resilience, even in the most testing conditions. The finished boathouse is utterly transformed.”
The renovated boathouse will continue to support Children’s Sailing Trust’s work providing lifechanging sailing opportunities for children and young people, many of whom face physical, educational or social challenges.
The Trust extends its sincere thanks to the Tanner Phoenix Trust, Cornwall Community Foundation and Shield Marine Services for their outstanding support in delivering this vital project.
