The Association of Sail Training Organisations (ASTO) held its UK Sail Training Conference on Thursday (29 January 2026), at the Royal Maritime Club & Hotel, Portsmouth, welcoming 174 delegates.
ASTO – the umbrella body for more than 30 UK not-for-profit sail training organisations that take young people and disabled people to sea – reports that attendance was up 25 per cent compared with the previous year, marking the highest turnout recorded for the event to date.
The conference programme combined keynote presentations with specialist sessions aimed at sea staff, member charity trustees and representatives from the sail training sector and the wider maritime industry. Content focused on operational practice, governance, regulation, safeguarding and funding, alongside professional development for staff and volunteers.
Kerry McMillan, chief executive of ASTO, says: “We were delighted to host the UK Sail Training Conference again and to welcome so many dedicated colleagues from across the sail training and maritime sector. Events like this are invaluable for fostering collaboration, sharing best practice and inspiring one another to continue creating life-changing experiences for young people at sea. There’s nothing quite like bringing the community together to celebrate our achievements and plan for the future.”
The opening plenary was delivered by offshore racing sailor Pip Hare, who outlined her professional career and experience working in a male-dominated sport. Her presentation referenced her participation in the Vendée Globe and a number of offshore racing records.
Across the day, sessions addressed a wide range of operational and strategic topics. The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust presented on approaches to widening access and inclusion, with a focus on enabling more young people, including those recovering from illness, to take part in sail training.
Further fundraising sessions examined grant management, engagement with trusts and foundations and longer-term funder relationships.
Additional discussions considered ways to develop sailing programmes through engagement with blue spaces, environmental awareness and outdoor learning. Rob Taylor, MCA Code Vessel Lead, provided guidance on updates to sport or pleasure vessel codes and their implications for operators.
Safeguarding and welfare formed part of the programme, with Kim Fry, safeguarding and welfare manager at UKSA, outlining methods to identify challenges and support young people’s wellbeing within maritime settings. Andy Wright, skipper and trainer, led sessions on the delivery of ASTO RYA qualifications, including Start Yachting, Competent Crew and Watch Leader schemes.
The conference included the presentation of sector awards. The Challenge Wales Legacy Cup for Environmental Action was awarded to Tall Ships Youth Trust, while the Challenge Wales Legacy Cup for Volunteer Impact went to Ocean Youth Trust Scotland. Rona Sailing Project received the Social Media Star award. The Shore Based Staff Impact Award was presented to Annette Potter from OYT South. The MCA / ASTO Sail Training Vessel of the Year was awarded to Helen Mary R from the Morvargh Sailing Project.
Further information on participation routes and member organisations is available on the ASTO website.
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