Yacht Havens Group has partnered with Cornish-based sail training organisation Morvargh Sailing Project to provide a fully-funded place for a young person to join their ASPIRE360 Round Britain in spring-2027.
In late-March 2027, Morvargh Sailing Project will depart Fowey onboard tall ship Helen Mary R for an extraordinary circumnavigation of Britain. ASPIRE360 is the only UK Sail Training expedition where the same young crew undertakes the entire circumnavigation together. One boat, ten young people and more than five weeks sailing all the way around Britain and home again.
Morvargh Sailing Project CIC is led by Matt and Vicky Barraud since 2010 who run these projects alongside their careers. Delivering an expedition of this scale will cost around £32,000 with sponsorships and donations ensuring families only need to contribute £800 out of the £4,000 cost for one young person.
“The partnership with Yacht Havens’ takes away any financial barrier to entry to the ASPIRE360 adventure. We are delighted to have the Group’s support allowing Vicky and I to use sail training to unlock confidence, responsibility and personal growth in young people.”
The Project’s vessel is Helen Mary R, a Bowman 57 cutter-rigged ketch, originally launched by the Rona Sailing Projected in 1986 and owned by Morvargh since 2010, predominately based out of Plymouth and, now, Fowey. To date, Helen Mary R has helped inspire and support more than 6,000 young people and clocked up over 100,000 miles.
In addition to Matt and Vicky skippering throughout ASPIRE360, the project is supported by several young adults who originally learned to sail onboard Helen Mary R.
Matt Barraud, Director for Morvargh Sailing Project CIC, said: “There is nothing more rewarding than seeing young people who first learned to sail on Helen Mary R return years later as crew and mates. Watching them grow in confidence, take on greater responsibility, and develop into capable young leaders is genuinely inspiring. The fact that they choose to come back and help provide these opportunities for the next generation speaks volumes about the lasting impact of the project and the special place Morvargh holds in their lives.”
Jonathan Cook, Marketing Director for Yacht Havens Group, said: “We are delighted to partner with Morvargh Sailing Project and bring this opportunity to a young person. Cost should never be a reason that a young person misses out on an opportunity to sail, and Matt and Vicky’s dedication to providing these experiences for young people is inspiring.”
In 2026, Helen Mary R was awarded the MCA/ASTO Sail Training Vessel of the Year. This national award, presented in partnership between the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the Association of Sail Training Organisations, recognises a vessel that demonstrates excellence in seamanship, safety, and the delivery of high-quality Sail Training experiences for young people.
Kerry, Chief Executive of ASTO: “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.”
Applications for young people aged 14-18 to join the ASPIRE360 adventure at www.yachthavens.com/ASPIRE360 with further information available at www.sailadventure.co.uk.
