Based in the beautiful Cornish port of Fowey, Morvargh Sailing Project has been running life-changing sailing experiences for young people for over a decade.
Their sail training vessel, TS Helen Mary R, recently came ashore at our yard at Plymouth Yacht Haven for a quick scrub and anode check providing us the perfect opportunity to meet director Matt Barraud and learn more about this local youth development organisation.
This introduction quickly led to Plymouth Yacht Haven proudly becoming a sponsor at a local fundraising event for Morvargh Sailing Project held at Langston in the South Hams. Furthermore, we also took the opportunity to sit down with Matt and learn more Morvargh Sailing Project to help share their story to our berth holders and wider boating community...
When and how did Morvargh Sailing come to be?
Matt: Morvargh Sailing Project was founded in 2010, born from a life-changing experience. At 26, I returned to education to study Outdoor Leisure. A lecturer introduced me to Sail Training through the Rona Sailing Project, where Helen Mary R was the first yacht I ever sailed. That week, taking a group of inner-city young people to sea, showed me the transformational power of the ocean.
Eight years later, in 2010, we became her owners & custodians. Since then, I’ve been privileged to witness young people undergo the same transformation that I did. Helen Mary R has been at the heart of our mission ever since: helping young people grow, find confidence, and discover who they are through the unique experience of offshore Sail Training. She is more than a vessel—she’s a classroom, a safe space, and a launchpad for life.
Photo: Morvargh Sailing Project and Matt Barraud (right)
What makes TS Helen Mary R perfect for your adventures?
Helen Mary R is more than just a boat—she is the beating heart of our Sail Training organisation and a life-changing experience for thousands of young people. Built by the London Sailing Project (now known as the Rona Sailing Project) in 1985 and launched in 1986, she is now proudly based in Fowey, Cornwall.
Designed by the renowned naval architects Holman & Pye, only a handful of Bowman 57s were ever constructed, making each one a rare and respected vessel. This class of yacht is steeped in a rich history of ocean sailing. Most notably, English Rose VI, a Bowman 57 sister ship, was famously sailed by John Ridgway in the 1977–78 Whitbread Round the World Race. This demanding circumnavigation cemented the Bowman 57’s reputation for resilience, endurance, and offshore capability.
Purpose-built as the only Bowman 57 specifically for Sail Training, Helen Mary R carries that same DNA, designed to handle the high seas while offering a safe and stable platform for learning, growth, and adventure.
Her strong pedigree, combined with decades of service, makes her not just a vessel of heritage but a cornerstone of youth development under sail. She has spent nearly 40 years sailing hundreds of thousands of nautical miles around the British Isles and beyond. Her deck has been a place of challenge, growth, and unforgettable life-changing moments, offering young people the chance to build resilience, confidence, and teamwork at sea.
"Commissioned by the London Sailing Project (now known as the Rona Sailing Project) in 1985, the cost of her build was supported heavily by the Rank Foundation. We believe she’s named after the chief executive's two daughters, Helen and Mary, with ‘R’ honouring the Foundation. She was launched in 1986, and she is now proudly based in Fowey, Cornwall."
- Matt Barraud, Morvargh Sailing Project
What’s your personal background in the marine industry?
I first sailed at school in Plymouth aboard Wayfarer dinghies through the Plymouth Schools Sailing Association. After a long gap, I returned to education at 26 to study Outdoor Leisure at Bicton College, where I became a dinghy and powerboat instructor. I began sailing regularly with the Rona Sailing Project, completing several trips each year and gaining deep insight into what it takes to run a large Sail Training yacht, from maintenance to leadership. I later qualified as a Yachtmaster Offshore and delivered Princess, Sunseeker, and Fairline motor yachts across Europe, covering up to 15,000 miles a year. I’ve also become involved in maritime legislation, writing safety management systems, and developing web applications to support vessel operations.
You have a full-time job away from MSP. How do you balance MSP and full-time work?
It’s a challenge and can be pretty stressful at times, but mostly it’s a constant juggling act. My wife and I both work freelance in various roles and industries to support ourselves and Morvargh. Between us, we manage everything from bookings and planning to fundraising, maintenance, compliance, and the day-to-day running of the organisation. We also sail on every voyage, supported by a small group of passionate volunteers who help crew and refit whenever possible. Most admin occurs in the mornings before work, evenings and weekends. It’s hard at times, and when we’re feeling low or overwhelmed, a message from a young person or a parent reminds us exactly why it’s all worth it!
"Most of our young people come from across the South West, with a significant number from Cornish communities. We work with schools, youth organisations, and community trusts to reach those who may never have set foot on a boat. Many come from areas of high deprivation and low aspiration, a stark contrast at times to Cornwall’s wealthier areas. "
"For local families, opportunities can be limited. Sail Training offers something rare: adventure, trust, and the belief that they are capable of more than they ever imagined. We welcome young people from the age of 11 on weekend voyages, with most longer programmes open to those aged 14 and over. Voyages are mixed-gender, and the focus is always on creating an inclusive and supportive crew environment."
- Matt Barraud
How does their boating skills translate to their day-to-day life and growth to becoming young adults?
Sail Training is a powerful blend of hands-on skill-building and personal development. On board, young people are not passengers; they are crew. From the moment they step aboard, they are involved in all aspects of running the vessel. They learn core boating skills including helming, sail handling, ropework, navigation, weather planning, passage making, and keeping a watch. They also develop practical seamanship, such as anchoring, mooring, lookout responsibilities, and safety procedures, all vital in keeping the boat and each other safe.
But the deeper value of Sail Training lies in what these responsibilities unlock. Young people quickly learn that their actions matter. They must show up, stay engaged, and work together, often in challenging and unfamiliar conditions. Living in close quarters, they develop communication, adaptability, and empathy. Taking the helm for the first time or being trusted to lead a sail change instils confidence that reaches far beyond the deck.
"We create a space where every crew member is expected to contribute, and in return, they are treated as valued and capable individuals. For many, this is the first time they’ve been given genuine responsibility, and it changes how they see themselves."
We often hear reflections like “I didn’t think I could do that,” or “I feel like a different person now.” These are signs not just of new skills, but of growth in resilience, self-belief, and emotional maturity.
Sailing Training for young people
Sail Training also teaches how to work through setbacks. Weather delays, sea sickness, and the sheer physical demands of sailing require perseverance. We frame these challenges as opportunities to develop problem-solving, patience, and teamwork, the same attributes they’ll need in education, employment, and relationships.
By the end of a voyage, it’s common to see quieter individuals finding their voice, natural leaders emerging, and the group functioning as a tight-knit team. What begins as an adventure at sea often becomes a turning point ashore, shaping how young people think about their future, their relationships, and their potential.
What’s your personal highlight while onboard an MSP adventure?
There are honestly too many to count. Every voyage brings moments that stay with you, whether it’s a young person overcoming sea sickness, conquering a fear, or simply sitting around the saloon table, laughing and feeling part of something. Watching a crew arrive as strangers and leave as a team is powerful, and each transformation is a reminder of why we do this.
What stands out most is seeing the long-term impact. Of our current team of just under 20 volunteers, six are young people who originally sailed with us as trainees. We've invited them back to begin their nautical journey as watch leaders, guiding others along the same path they once sailed. Such a legacy is incredibly special. One of them first sailed with us at 14 and has grown into a confident, skilled sailor; she’s now the chief instructor of a local dinghy centre, and we hope she’ll become our first homegrown skipper in the years ahead.
Another highlight is the legacy of our Expeditions, particularly our 2017 ASPIRE360 Round Britain Challenge. Of the eight young people who took part in that life-changing six-week voyage, six have since gone into marine or maritime-related careers. That voyage not only took them nearly 2000 nautical miles around the coast of Britain, but it also gave them a sense of purpose, identity, and direction that shaped their futures.
For me, the true highlight is knowing that Sail Training can light that spark. It doesn’t just teach skills; it helps young people discover who they are and what they’re capable of, often in ways they never imagined. Being part of that journey is a privilege I never take for granted.
Do you have a favourite destination to take your crew to discover?
It’s hard to choose just one. Our home port of Fowey never loses its magic; there’s something about returning to where our journeys begin. The Isles of Scilly & the West Coast of Scotland are breathtaking and always worth the challenge of getting there. The Brittany coastline, and Binnic, St Malo and Roscoff are all special places for us. But perhaps the most exciting moments come from discovering new harbours, places we’ve never been before, pushing both the boat and her crew beyond the familiar. This is part of the reason for running our Expeditions to new and exciting places. There are so many more we have yet to discover!
How can Yacht Havens berth holders support MSP?
The most valuable way you can support us is by volunteering your time. We are always looking for sailors of all skill levels, from Day Skippers (or equivalent experience) to Yachtmasters, to join us as Afterguard and help deliver safe, inspiring voyages.
Spreading the word is equally powerful. Talking about our work, sharing our posts, and engaging with our social media channels helps us reach new young people, funders, and supporters.
Finally, donations are vital. We’re currently fundraising for Helen Mary R’s 40th anniversary major refit, including new sails, rigging, navigation equipment and more. Every penny goes directly to specific equipment and materials, not salaries or overheads. You can donate via our Preserve the Legacy, Protect the Future fund: https://sailadventure.co.uk/pages/HMR-at-40
Every act of support, whether time, voice, or funds, helps us carry on our mission of Using Sail Training to Inspire and Change Lives.
Find out more
To learn more about Morvargh Sailing Project, to volunteer and get involved, or to donate to this wonderful Cornish sail training group:
- Email hello@sailadventure.co.uk
- Visit sailadventure.co.uk
- Call 07481 546577
- Follow MorvarghSailing on Facebook
- Follow MorvarghLife on Instagram
