Young sailors come together for the Fowey Regatta Sail Training Class

31 Aug 2024

Plymouth Yacht Haven was proud to support this year's Fowey Regatta Sail Training Class, welcoming seven sail training vessels and around 50 young people to the marina ahead of the highly successful event.

Bringing the Fleet Together

Organised by Matt Barraud of the Morvargh Sailing Project, the Sail Training Class brought together young people from across a number of sail training organisations for a weekend of sailing, racing, learning and shared experiences.

Plymouth Yacht Haven provided berthing for the entire fleet, enabling all participating vessels to stay together in one location before travelling to Fowey for the regatta.

Following the event, Matt Barraud, Director of the Morvargh Sailing Project, wrote to thank Plymouth Yacht Haven for its support.

"Having everyone moored together became a really important part of the event. It meant the young people could mix between boats, meet people from other Sail Training organisations, make new friends and spend time together ashore. By the end of the weekend there was a fantastic atmosphere across the fleet, with young people who had arrived on seven different vessels beginning to feel like one much larger Sail Training community."

- Matt Barraud, Director of the Morvargh Sailing Project

Building Friendships and Confidence

Having the fleet together gave the young people the opportunity to connect with each other and realise that they're part of something much bigger. As well as enjoying the sailing and racing programme, the young people were able to build friendships, share experiences and gain confidence through spending time with peers from other organisations.

In his letter, Matt Barraud highlighted just how significant Plymouth Yacht Haven's support had been:

"We're incredibly grateful to everyone at Plymouth Yacht Haven who helped make that possible. Your support played a genuine part in making the event what it was."

- Matt Barraud

Supporting Opportunities Through Sail Training

The Morvargh Sailing Project is dedicated to empowering young people through sail training, creating opportunities that build confidence, resilience and teamwork through time spent on the water.

The organisation's vessel, Helen Mary R, was recently recognised as the 2026 ASTO/MCA Sail Training Vessel of the Year, celebrating decades of giving young people the opportunity to gain experience and confidence sailing offshore.

Steve Cox, Marina Manager at Plymouth Yacht Haven, said:

"We're delighted to have been able to support the Morvargh Sailing Project and the Fowey Regatta Sail Training Class. Sail training provides incredible opportunities for young people, and it was fantastic to see so many vessels and young sailors coming together. We're proud to have played a small part in making the event such a success."

- Steve Cox, Marina Manager, Plymouth Yacht Haven

Plymouth Yacht Haven is committed to supporting initiatives that encourage participation in boating and help inspire the next generation of sailors. Following the success of this year's event, we look forward to welcoming the fleet again, and supporting future opportunities for young people through sail training.