Morvargh Sailing Project, Cornwall’s dedicated Sail Training organisation, has been awarded the prestigious MCA/ASTO Sail Training Vessel of the Year for its vessel Helen Mary R.
Presented at the 2026 UK Sail Training Conference, the award recognises excellence in both seamanship and the delivery of meaningful, life-changing experiences for young people. It is jointly awarded by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the Association of Sail Training Organisations, and is considered one of the highest honours in the Sail Training sector.
The award celebrates vessels that not only meet the highest standards of safety and professionalism but also demonstrate a clear and lasting impact on the young people they support.
Based in Fowey, Morvargh Sailing Project delivers offshore Sail Training voyages aboard the 57ft ketch Helen Mary R. The organisation works with young people aged 11 to 25, many of whom face barriers to opportunity, providing experiences at sea that build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging.
In 2025, the vessel undertook an ambitious programme of voyages across the UK and France, including a 37-day expedition to Scotland covering over 1,500 nautical miles. Remarkably, the core crew for this expedition included eleven 13-year-olds on their first major offshore passage, demonstrating the organisation’s commitment to trust, responsibility, and youth development.
Matt Barraud, Director and Skipper of Morvargh Sailing Project, said: “This award reflects the commitment of an incredible community. From our volunteers and supporters to the young people who step aboard and push themselves beyond what they thought possible. Sail Training is not just about sailing; it is about giving young people the space to grow, to lead, and to discover who they are.”
Kerry, Chief Executive of ASTO, added: “Morvargh Sailing Project exemplifies the very best of Sail Training in the UK. Helen Mary R demonstrates not only high standards of seamanship and safety, but a deep and sustained commitment to the personal development of young people. This award recognises a programme that delivers meaningful impact through challenge, responsibility, and care.”
A defining feature of Morvargh’s work is its volunteer-led model. Experienced sailors, many of whom began as trainees themselves, return to support the next generation. This creates a strong culture of mentorship, continuity, and shared purpose that sits at the heart of every voyage.
The organisation also places a strong emphasis on inclusion. Through partnerships with schools, youth organisations, and community groups, Morvargh works to ensure that financial circumstances do not prevent young people from taking part. This commitment is strengthened by the support of the Port of Fowey and the Royal Fowey Yacht Club and Fowey Gallants Sailing Club, whose ongoing encouragement of youth participation in watersports helps create accessible pathways into sailing. Together, fundraising, bursaries, and community support play a vital role in opening the door to life-changing experiences at sea.
Alongside its sailing programme, Morvargh has developed innovative approaches to training, safety, and accountability. Its in-house digital platform supports real-time monitoring of crew development, safeguarding, and vessel operations, helping maintain consistently high standards across all voyages.
As Helen Mary R enters her 40th year of Sail Training, the award marks a significant milestone in her legacy. Over her lifetime, both with Morvargh Sailing Project and with her original owners, the Rona Sailing Project, she has sailed more than 100,000 nautical miles and supported over 6,000 young people in experiencing life at sea.
Vicky Barraud, who leads operations and crew development, added: “We are a small organisation, but we believe deeply in what we do. Every voyage is about people; creating an environment where young people feel safe, valued, and capable. This recognition gives us momentum to keep going and to reach even more young people in the years ahead.”
Morvargh Sailing Project continues to run voyages throughout the year and is actively working to expand access through its “Preserve the Legacy, Protect the Future” fundraising campaign, supporting the long-term sustainability of Helen Mary R.
