Every year since 2021, we’ve sent Cornish teenagers on offshore voyages to develop confidence and skills as they embark on the next step in their young lives.
2025 is our fifth expedition and the second aboard Helen Mary R, operated by Morvargh Sailing Project.
This year we had a record 40 applications for the 10 places available, meaning difficult decisions for us as we sought to select candidates with the complementary skills and strengths required to build a team, while at the same time favouring those we thought would benefit most from the experience.
Each place aboard is sponsored by an individual or organisation, covering all the costs of the voyage. Our sponsors make these expeditions possible, and we are grateful to them as ever for their generosity.
Here they are – the lucky members of Team Helen Mary R 2025:
Alfie B, 15, from St Mawes, sponsored by St Mawes Pier & Harbour Company
“I think the sightseeing aspect will be the highlight of my voyage. I have sailed before, but this will be something new for me and I hope to gain further experience on the sea. I am very excited by this and hope to experience the trip of a lifetime.”
Alfie J, 16, from Penmount, sponsored by a charitable trust
“I just love adventures and testing my physical and mental boundaries to the maximum. I have always wanted to do something like this and now I am finally getting the chance. This will give me a taste of what I want to experience for the rest of my life. I aim to gain valuable social and sailing skills, see new things and have the best possible time, squeezing out every inch of adventure and fun.”
Archie, 16, from Tregony, sponsored by estate agents H Tiddy
“I am excited about completing an expedition at sea. I have previously sailed picos with Veryan School and would like to experience a longer voyage, seeing marine wildlife and different shores.”
Finlay, 16, from St Just in Roseland, sponsored by St Just in Roseland Parish Council
“What interests me most is the opportunity to be able to sail further than I have before and on a much bigger vessel. From this experience, I hope to gain a better understand of sailing and of the sea but also meeting new people who share similar interests. I am excited and very keen to experience life on the open water.”
Isabelle, 16, from Grampound Road, sponsored by Team Helen Mary R 2024
“I am very keen to sail and to learn new and technical skills as I have never sailed before. I am also excited to involve myself in the marine environment and perhaps see whales and dolphins. What I am most excited about, though, is the opportunity to meet new people and become close to them through sharing an unforgettable experience. From this experience, I hope to gain confidence at sea and more knowledge about our marine world.”
Orson, 16, from St Ives, sponsored by Flushing Sailing Club
“I have always loved being out at sea and have always loved ships, so being able to actually learn how to sail and help manage one is something that I am extremely excited about, as well as meeting other people around my age with the same passion. I find it all quite adventurous. I also hope to gain a better understanding of the structure and architecture of a boat, as being a shipwright is a path that I have considered for a long time.”
Rose, 16, from Tregony, sponsored by Billy Billington
“I have sailed dinghies for many years at St Mawes Sailing Club and greatly enjoy it. I have also recently started to teach sailing to new sailors and have found this just as rewarding as I watch them become enthused to get out and explore the waters and learn all the new skills that come with learning to sail. This year I hope to earn my Dinghy Instructor qualification. I believe that this trip will further my experience as I learn to navigate different challenges and improve my sailing skills on larger boats.”
Ruby, 17, from Helston, sponsored by Frost Builders
“I have grown up in the maritime industry as my Dad owns a commercial fishing boat. Watching him work on the seas has inspired me to pursue a similar path. What interests me most about participating is the opportunity to learn new skills. After college I hope to join the UK Sailing Academy’s Yachtmaster course. I believe this voyage will be a strong contribution to my CV and support my UKSA application as it demonstrates my genuine interest in the maritime sector and my willingness to work hard and learn the necessary skills for a future career.“
Suki, 16, from Portscatho, sponsored by St Mawes Sailing Club
“I am most interested in learning new sailing skills and taking part in an adventure as part of a team. I think this experience will be incredible and I will be able to develop my understanding of sailing further. I am excited to meet new people with similar interests who enjoy being at sea. I hope to gain memories that will last me for life, and knowledge that I will be able to apply on and off the water.”
Theo, 17, from Playing Place, sponsored by Adam Greening
“I completed my GCSEs last summer and started an engineering apprenticeship with A&P Falmouth in September. I work on large navy vessels, cruise ships and ferries in both the dry dock and the harbour. Whilst sailing isn’t a specific requirement for my role, it will be great to complement my work with this sailing experience.”
The team first got together for a day of fun, games and sailing practice at Fowey on Saturday 21 June. They depart Fowey on Saturday 26 July, destination as yet unknown, returning to St Mawes on Monday 4 August.