You may have seen the three traditional boats of The Island Trust come and go from Plymouth Yacht Haven and Plymouth Sound, so we thought that you might be interested to find out more about the work of this fantastic local charity.
Every year, The Island Trust welcomes around 600 young people onboard three traditional wooden sailing boats to experience the thrill of sailing in the waters off the maritime city of Plymouth, leaving from their home at Plymouth Yacht Haven. The majority of these young sailors come from disadvantaged backgrounds; others have physical disabilities or learning disabilities. As well as day sailing, the charity also offers 6-day residential sailing voyages where young people can learn more about sailing on these beautiful and historic boats.
The founder, Richard (Dick) Lloyd MBE, is passionate about traditional wooden boats and strives to address the inequalities in access to the benefits of sailing. Founding the company nearly 50 years ago in 1973, Dick remains as determined as ever that financial and social barriers to participation should be removed.
The Island Trust operates three large traditionally rigged sailing boats; Moosk, Pegasus and Johanna Lucretia, each with their own distinctive style and character and all perfect for Sail Training. Two of these boats (Moosk and Johanna Lucretia) are of significant historical value with Moosk listed on the National Historical Ships Register.
"We firmly believe in social inclusion and equality"
"We work with individuals, schools, youth groups, church and community organisations, offering entry-level Royal Yachting Association Training Courses, which contribute to CVs and long-term employment prospects as well as raising aspiration and confidence in young people who are often marginalized and vulnerable."
- Emma Pate, Fundraising Manager, The Island Trust
Moosk
- Built: 1906 in Falmouth, UK
- Made from oak
- Gaff yawl rigging
- Length: 58ft (17.69m)
- Beam: 10.70 feet (3.26 m)
- Draft: 7.30 feet (2.23 m)
- 8 guest berths
- Registered on the National Historical Ships UK Register.
Pegasus
- Built: 2008 in Bristol, UK
- Made from oak
- Gaff rigged pilot cutter
- Length: 72ft (21.9m)
- Beam: 14.9ft (4.5m)
- Draft: 8.6ft (2.6m)
- 10 guest berths
Johanna Lucretia
- Built: 1945 in Ghent, Belgium
- Made from oak
- Topsail Schooner
- Length: 96ft (29.2m)
- Beam: 18.1ft (5.5m)
- Draft: 9.3ft (2.8m)
- 12 guest berths
- Opened by HRH Princess Anne on a visit in 2019.
The Trust in action
A glimpse at the work of the Trust (please note, some of the personnel have changed since making this short film)
An invitation to berth holders
The traditional rigging of the Trust's fleet are easily apparent on the Plymouth Yacht Haven skyline. If you ever see any of the Trust's team onboard their vessels (berthed on P Pontoon), do not hesitate to say hello to their friendly team.
There will be an invitation to berth holders shortly to step onboard the Trust's vessel to see them up close and find out about their latest programme of activities. Keep an eye on your emails and our social media for details about this invitation.
The Island Trust can only continue it’s work through the generous donations, every penny raised helps to provide bursaries for young people to take part life-changing Sailing Voyages. If you would like to support The Island Trust, details of how to donate can be found on The Island Trust Website.