“I really believe he’ll benefit from this opportunity. It could open up a whole new range of careers for him after college.”
So says a parent of a member of Team Helen Mary R 2026, who are currently having a great time on this year’s offshore sailing expedition to France.
Who are they and what are they hoping to gain from the 10-day trip?
Emma, 17, from Truro is sponsored by Flushing Sailing Club: “I hope to push myself out of my comfort zone and to gain experience on the water as I am very interested in getting more involved in sailing in the future. This will give me an opportunity to sail a larger boat (I have only ever sailed dinghies) and work as part of a team to cover a large distance out at sea. I am really excited to see what it is like to live aboard and possibly explore the coastlines of another country, as I am also keen to see more of the world outside of Cornwall.”
Harry, 16, from Par is sponsored by 2024 venturer Luca Wilding: “I like adventures and being able to learn to sail on one would be a great opportunity. My parents had a sailing boat when I was much younger, but I was so little I don’t remember it. I really like the ocean and I surf and paddle board. A career in the marine industry has always interested me, so I would really like to learn how to sail.”
Jack, 17, from Truro is sponsored by 2025 venturer Rose Kendle: “I have never sailed but, living by the coast, surfing and snorkelling have always drawn my interest towards the sea. Especially with my Mum being a marine biologist, I’m always learning about new species and about the surf and the sea. I know from surfing and life-saving that the sea can be dangerous but I’m up for the challenge. From this experience I want to gain not only memories and new friends but also valuable skills such as working as a team, leadership, resilience and many more. My Grandad was born in East Africa by the sea, but he never had the chance to learn to sail even though he always dreamed of it and wanted to. He died recently, and I want to make him proud by learning a skill that he dreamed of gaining but was never able to.”
James, 16, from St Austell, is sponsored by St Mawes Sailing Club: “It’s been a tough year and I think the challenges and adventures of the voyage will be beneficial in teaching me new skills and relearning old ones, making new connections and boosting my confidence. I’ve sailed in the past and love being on the water and I’m keen to help raise funds to give someone else this opportunity in the future.”
Katie, 16, from Gorran Haven is sponsored by Frost Builders Southwest: “Having always lived by the sea, we own a boat and my brother Tom did the 2022 voyage on TS Maybe. My dad used to do a lot with sailing and said all that experience was fun. I enjoyed sailing lots at primary school. I love the teamwork and sense of community of gig-rowing (I am rowing with a Ladies crew in the Scillies this year). I have learnt that the commitment is worth it and being outside and on the water is really beneficial. I’m looking forward to meeting new people and gaining confidence.”
Olivia, 16, from Gorran Haven is sponsored by property specialists H Tiddy and Fine & Country Mid West Cornwall: “I love wildlife and animals and currently volunteer at The Lost Gardens of Heligan on the farm. I hope to see some marine wildlife on this trip as I want to work with animals when I am older. I also hope to meet new people, learn new things and get an opportunity to challenge myself. I learnt to sail with my Primary School in Percuil, where there were normally three of us in each boat. I have also been part of the Gorran Gig Team for a long time. These activities taught me that good communication is really important, both listening and being clear with instructions. I also learnt that it is important to support others who might be finding it difficult or need encouragement.”
Polly, 17, from Porthtowan is co-sponsored by 2024 venturer Luca and by 2025 venturers Suki, Finlay and Alfie: “Growing up in Cornwall, I’ve always loved the sea. The thought of going out to sea further than I’ve ever been before intrigues me and the voyage will hopefully give me this opportunity, as well as allowing me to gain valuable experience and have fun while doing it. I have completed Bronze and Silver D of E and I’m currently completing Gold. These experiences have taught me a lot about the outdoors, such as perseverance when getting lost and the ability to work as a team. I loved these adventures on land and would really love to see what it’s like putting my skills to the test in the challenging environment of the ocean.”
Poppy, 17, from St Austell is sponsored by a private benefactor: “As someone who grew up scared of the sea, I would like to branch out of my comfort zone and learn about sailing. I’d also like to take on a leadership role. I once went on a week-long expedition where I ended up having the role of leader. This meant making sure everyone was okay and in their tents in the evening and getting everybody up on time in the mornings. I learnt what it’s like to be responsible for other people.”
Sorella, 17, from St Mawes is sponsored by St Just in Roseland Parish Council: “By taking part in the voyage, I will gain valuable life skills such as communication and meeting new people, whilst also gaining specific sailing knowledge to become a more skilled sailor. When I am older, I hope to be a superyacht captain. This is my dream career. So this voyage will expand my seafaring knowledge and understanding of life at sea and I hope it will develop my teamwork and leadership skills.”
Will, 16, from Lostwithiel is sponsored by private benefactors: “I am interested in a career at sea in the navy as a warfare officer after I have completed college. The voyage sounds like a very exciting opportunity to meet a group of new people and learn more about myself while getting more experienced at sailing. I think a long voyage would be perfect to increase my knowledge of navigation and develop my teamwork. As a keen rugby player and cricketer for local clubs, I’ve learnt that a team is made up of different people with different skills which work together to achieve far more than individuals would working alone.”
The venturers met for the first time on a sunny Saturday in June for a training day aboard Helen Mary R.
Emma and Sorella
Here’s what Sorella had to say about it:
“Today was the day we had all been anticipating. Luckily the weather was sunshine and blue skies, meeting each other and seeing Helen Mary R for the first time. We all arrived, got our hoodies and met the amazing team we will be heading out on this voyage with. Heading to the boat eager to see how we would all fit on. We met Matt (funny guy) and his wife and co-skipper Vicky. Both amazing and really funny and engaging. They immediately had us putting up sails and sheeting in. It was hands on for everyone from the very beginning. Heading out to sea, a couple of us got to helm and steer which was amazing.
Will and Polly
“Continuing on, we were well under sail and doing four knots heading into Polkerris for a little dip. We were becoming closer friends by the minute getting to know each other whilst falling over trying to sheet in. What an experience! Anchoring up and pushing the boom out. We kitted up into our wetsuits and swimwear for a sunny dip. Highlight of the day for all I think was jumping off the boom. A once-in-a- lifetime experience to say you have committed to a backflip off the boom of a 50ft sailing boat. Everyone helping each other on the boom and into the boat was great fun and even more team bonding.
“We were a hungry bunch after that, so sandwiches were on the menu. Call us Michelin star chefs, although Matt did get a sandwich thrown at him. Everyone did eventually get their lunch and we then headed back to Fowey. Even though we had all only met each other five hours prior we all felt as though we have known each other for years. Such an amazing opportunity for us all to be heading out with Matt and Vicky (and the other watch keepers) and an amazing group of friends. Today was a brilliant taste of what life aboard is going to be like and I am speaking on behalf of everyone when I say we can’t wait to go in August.”
They left as planned from Fowey on Saturday 1 August heading for France and we look forward to welcoming them back to Cornwall on Monday 10 August.
Our thanks as ever to the individuals, organisations and former venturers that have made the expedition possible, each of whom has sponsored a place aboard. They include:
St Mawes Sailing Club (James)
One of the leading sailing clubs in the south-west of England, with a very active RYA-recognised Junior Sail Training section, St Mawes Sailing Club has supported RYST offshore sailing expeditions since the first one in 2021. Says John Andrew: “St Mawes Sailing Club is delighted to sponsor a place for a sixth year. We know from the past five expeditions that experiences of this kind are character-building. They enable young people to learn how to get on with others as part of a team in an exhilarating environment, and we as a Club look forward to hearing back from James how it went for Team Helen Mary R 2026.”
Flushing Sailing Club (Emma)
Established in 1921, Flushing Sailing Club is a unique club in a beautiful location, whose members have a real passion for sailing, meeting regularly to share knowledge and experience, improve skills and learn new techniques. 2026 marks the fifth year the Club is supporting an RYST offshore sailing experience. Says David Mitchell: “Flushing Sailing Club is delighted to again sponsor a youngster on a voyage at sea. It has been a pleasure to host presentations at the Club by the young people we sponsored – Rosie in 2022, Will in 2023, Laurie in 2024 and Orson in 2025 – hearing how the expeditions have built confidence and opened new horizons for them. We fully support the involvement of youngsters in sailing and hope it goes well this year too for Emma and her crewmates.”
St Just in Roseland Parish Council (Sorella)
A landscape of rolling farmland on the waters of the Carrick Roads, the whole of St Just in Roseland Parish is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Its 12th century waterside church is surrounded by subtropical planting described by Sir John Betjeman as ‘to many people the most beautiful churchyard on earth’. The Parish has supported four RYST expeditions in the past. Says Helen Couch: “St Just in Roseland Parish Council is always keen to support RYST’s offshore sailing expeditions, as we have seen first-hand the positive impact they have on the young people lucky enough to be selected. We wish Sorella and Team Helen Mary R 2026 a safe voyage and know that it will be an adventure of a lifetime.”
Frost Builders SW (Katie)
Frost Builders SW is a team of highly skilled professionals with extensive knowledge of properties and construction methods in the region. Says Karen Hore: “Frost Builders SW is proud to sponsor yet another young person taking on the RYST Offshore Sailing challenge this year. Supporting this programme isn’t just about funding a journey — it’s about backing the confidence, resilience, and real-world skills that adventure brings. For us, building strong foundations goes beyond construction. It’s about investing in Cornwall’s future and helping young people discover what they’re capable of when they step outside their comfort zone. This year, we’re delighted to support Katie as she sets sail on an unforgettable experience. Here’s to courage, growth, and another year of inspiring young people to chase the horizon.”
Property specialists H Tiddy and Fine & Country Mid West Cornwall (Olivia)
Established for over 100 years in St Mawes, H Tiddy has long supported RYST and plays an active role in the local community. Last year, the company expanded through the acquisition of the Fine & Country Mid West Cornwall licence and the recruitment of three experienced local associates to join their existing team. Mark Willson, Co-owner and Director of H Tiddy and Fine & Country Mid West Cornwall, says: ‘For the sixth consecutive year, we are proud to send a young person to sea for 10 days and we wish Olivia all the best. Having seen the experiences of Bea (2021), Wilf (2022), Skye (2023), Phoebe (2024) and Archie (2025), I am sure Olivia and all the venturers will return from their voyage with many life-enhancing experiences, memories, and lasting friendships.”
Rose Kendle (Jack)
Rose Kendle of Team Helen Mary R 2025 hiked, not just one, but two mountains fund-raising for RYST: Snowdon (1,085m), the highest in Wales and Ben Nevis (1,345m), the highest in the entire British Isles. Rose walked Snowdon in June before her 2025 voyage and, on her return from France in August, stepped off the boat to go directly to Ben Nevis. The twin treks raised enough to sponsor Jack’s place this year. Says Rose: “I have seen the enormous amount of effort that RYST and St Mawes Junior Sail Training put into ensuring kids get the opportunity to experience sailing and develop the love that seems to drive much of the St Mawes community. I planned these sponsored hikes as a way for our local community to get behind this cause and help others get into sailing. And so that I can give back in gratitude the opportunity I was granted.”
Luca Wilding (Harry)
In possibly the most energetic RYST fund-raise to date, Luca Wilding of Team Helen Mary R 2024 walked the whole of the Cornish coast path from Bude to Plymouth, a 16-day, 333-mile hike. He averaged over 20 miles a day: strenuous work given all those ups and downs, with a tent and all his kit on his back. His total climb was 17,591 metres: a few metres short of two Mount Everests. Luca raised enough to fund Harry’s place on this year’s expedition and contribute to Polly’s place, too. He said: “In 2024 I was given the incredible opportunity to embark on a voyage with Roseland Youth Sailing Trust, where we sailed from Fowey to Guernsey, St Malo, then on to Roscoff and finally home to St Mawes. It’s great I can help others enjoy the same experience I did.”
Alfie Baltazar, Finlay Salter, Suki Storey & Luca Wilding (Polly)
Venturers Suki, Finlay and Alfie of Team Helen Mary R 2025 and Luca of Team Helen Mary R 2024 are co-sponsors of Polly’s place on the 2026 offshore expedition. Suki raised funds in her Dip A Day Challenge in which she swam in the sea every day in October 2025. Finlay and Alfie collected donations from attendees at the Falmouth Week 2025 prize-giving event and Luca’s contribution was part of his Cornwall coast path walk. Says Finlay: “I’m so glad that my contribution has benefitted Polly to be able to do such a thing and hopefully she’ll have as much fun as I did.”
Huge thanks to you all from RYST and Team Helen Mary R 2026.