To enquire about availability or for further information, please contact us
We believe the life-changing benefits of Sail Training should be available to all, regardless of ability or means. So, if you want to take part you can.
Everyone who sails with us is subsidised by OYT North to some extent. Beyond this, we expect that young people or groups should contribute according to their means, while appreciating that many of the young people who sail with us have limited finances. To overcome this, we offer bursaries from our Equal Chance Appeal. This fund is limited and the amount available changes each year, so a bursary cannot be guaranteed.
Please get in touch to discuss paying for your voyage.
We are the only local provider in the North of England, offering voyages along the Northeast coast, visiting ports such as Hull, Scarborough and Whitby, Hartlepool, Blyth, Berwick -upon-Tweed. We regularly stay overnight in small bays and anchorages such as the Farne Islands and Holy Island.
We also run expeditions further afield to Scotland and across the North Sea to Norway and the Netherlands. From our base in Whitehaven, Cumbria, we explore the Irish Sea, visiting the Isle of Man and Ireland.
We frequently participate in the Tall Ships Races across the North Sea and around the Baltic.
We have sailed as far away as Spain and Iceland. Where you go depends on your ambitions and the duration of your voyage.
Did you know? In 1995 groups of young people onboard James Cook circumnavigated the world in company with her sister ship John Laing.
Most people who sail with us have never sailed before. Don’t worry the crew will explain things and guide you through everything you need to know to be able to sail the yacht. You will learn new things while having fun at the same time.
After a day of excitement and challenge on deck, retire down below to relax in the communal saloon. Enjoy the family atmosphere where you can socialise, read, listen to music and play games and enjoy refreshments and food from the galley, all cooked from fresh ingredients. Read more here
We welcome any young people, irrespective of experience or background.
Groups aged 12-24 years (under 15’s must be accompanied by an adult group leader).
Individuals aged 15-24.
Groups on Key Stage 2 Expeditions (aged 10-11) restricted to overnight/ river trips only.
Adults. While we are first and foremost a youthwork organisation, we are happy to accommodate any adult groups who wish to join us.
Ocean Youth Trust has worked with young people at sea for over 60 years. We offer a safe but challenging experience.
Should you wish to see our Risk Assessments or Liability Insurance Policy please get in touch.
We offer 12 places for young people, along with an additional place for a group leader. This leaves 5 places for our professional staff and experienced volunteers. 18 persons in all (6 adults and 12 young people).
Operating on a three-watch system, with four crew members and a watch leader in each watch, each person has the chance to engage fully in all onboard activities (handling sails, steering, learning how to navigate, cooking and cleaning, helping their shipmates to ‘get the job done’) ensuring everyone gets the most out of their voyage.
We can tailor voyage lengths to suit your needs, with most trips lasting a weekend, 5 or 6 days. Additionally, we offer overnight voyages specifically tailored to Key Stage 2 students.
We welcome anyone on a voyage who can climb a ladder unaided and follow basic safety instructions. This includes individuals with special educational needs (SEN), visual or hearing impairments, and mental health conditions.
Below decks James Cook is open plan and brightly lit with natural light, with separate living and sleeping areas.
At the heart of the vessel is the saloon, a social area featuring a large table which is used for dining and team briefings.
Crew accommodation consists of shared sleeping quarters with a mixture of bunks and pipe cots. Everyone is assigned their own berth.
There are curtains for privacy when changing and adult leaders are accommodated in a separate cabin. There are two toilets (heads) with washing facilities. Showers are taken ashore when visiting marinas.
The crew cook and eat all meals onboard, using fresh ingredients supplied by us and included in the cost of voyage.
Any special dietary requirements will be accommodated, if specified when booking.
We provide specialist equipment, including waterproofs and lifejackets. You will need to bring a sleeping bag, pillow, and warm clothing. A detailed kit list will be provided VIEW KIT LIST
You are welcome to bring your mobile phone; however, its use is restricted to your free time, and there are no charging facilities onboard. While at sea, all mobile phones must be handed over to the Skipper for safekeeping. Mobile phones are brought at your own risk, and during free time, their safekeeping is your responsibility. They are not insured against loss overboard or damage during the voyage.
No previous sailing knowledge is necessary.
We are an RYA recognised training establishment and can cover RYA Start Yachting or RYA Competent Crew courses on week-long voyages with prior arrangement
You can complete your DofE Gold Residential on a week-long voyage and we offer DofE Expeditions.
OYT North carries public liability insurance to cover all aspects of our activities. We do however recommend that you arrange your own travel insurance to cover booking cancellation, travel to and from the boat and personal belongings.
For voyages outside of the UK you will require a passport, a UK Global Health Insurance Card (UK GHIC), and an adventurous insurance policy which should also include repatriation.
