The Association of Sail Training Organisations (ASTO) has celebrated another successful Small Ships event which took place from 2 – 4 October in Cowes, Isle of Wight, bringing together 21 vessels, 222 young people, plus 86 volunteers and staff from across the UK for a weekend of challenge, collaboration and sail training.
Originally planned as the annual Small Ships Race, light winds across the Solent meant organisers adapted in true sailing fashion and launched the Small Ships Challenge, creating a new and engaging way for participants to test their skills on and off the water. Throughout the event, crews completed 34 tasks designed to encourage teamwork, resilience, creativity and problem solving.
Challenges ranged from identifying and photographing different vessel types and navigating to designated locations, through to practical navigation exercises flag making and creative snack platters. The revised format ensured young people experienced all the benefits of sail training while embracing the spirit of friendly competition and adventure that sits at the heart of the event.
The 2026 event saw Tectona take the Class B title, Challenger 4 win Class C1 and Bright Star take the top spot in Class C2, with crews across the fleet demonstrating outstanding determination, adaptability and teamwork throughout the weekend. A special award was also presented to the youngest crew member, 12-year-old Tilia Jackson from Tectona. Each Class winner received an Adlard Coles Reeds Nautical Almanac, kindly donated to the event. Kerry McMillan, CEO of ASTO, said: “The Small Ships Challenge is a brilliant example of what makes sail training so powerful. While the weather may have changed our plans, it certainly didn’t change the enthusiasm, commitment and determination shown by everyone taking part.
“The challenge encouraged young people to think creatively, work together and embrace new experiences. More importantly, it gave them the opportunity to build confidence, develop skills and create memories that will stay with them long after the event has ended. We’re incredibly proud of every young person who took part this year and grateful to the organisations, staff, volunteers and supporters who helped make such a successful weekend possible.”
First held in 2002, Small Ships Races are a longstanding fixture in ASTO’s calendar, having visited ports across the UK and Europe including Belfast, London, Dartmouth and St Peter Port with an annual event in Cowes since 2004. With at least half of crew members aged under 25, the event combines competitive sailing with the personal development opportunities at the heart of sail training.
The event also highlighted the strength of collaboration across the sail training sector, with member organisations, staff, volunteers and supporters working together to ensure participants enjoyed a safe, rewarding and memorable experience despite the change in format.
ASTO Trustee David Snelson CB, said: For the young people involved, the event offered an opportunity to step beyond their individual voyages and become part of a wider sail training community, connecting with other crews, learning new skills and discovering what can be achieved through teamwork, determination and adventure at sea.
As one young person sailing onboard Tall Ships Youth Trust Challenger 5 commented: “Plans can change, because today there was no wind, obviously the race was called off. And at first I was quite disappointed about that, but then I thought, well, that’s okay. I can still take out as much as I can from it. And I mean, it’s such a learning experience that things can go wrong and it’s still okay.”
To find out more about ASTO, visit ASTO.
