THE SAILING EXPERIENCE
We are now seeking nominations for the 2027 sailing experience, when inspirational young people between the ages of 12 and 18 will be selected for a week’s sailing trip on board Prolific, operated by Ocean Youth Trust (OYT) South.
Award Winners
Please nominate young people between the ages of 12 and 18, who you feel should be rewarded for their achievements or inspiration and support to others around them; those who have overcome adverse personal circumstances or shown other exceptional accomplishments.
Those in contact with young people are invited to send in nominations, including teachers, guide or scout leaders, youth group leaders, friends and employers. Anyone can nominate, apart from parents, guardians or close family.
Past winners have included young people who have been outstanding achievers, as well as those who have been involved in voluntary work, those who have never had the chance to travel abroad, and those with added family responsibilities.
Winners will be selected from the regions in which MDL Marinas are located; the South West, Dorset, Hampshire, Thames Valley and East Coast.
The Sailing Experience
The winners will spend 5 nights and 6 days living and sailing on board an OYT sail training yacht and will become involved in all aspects of life on board, including hoisting sails, helping with maintenance, sailing the boat at night and cooking and cleaning with the rest of the crew. This is an unforgettable sailing experience, departing from and returning to Southampton in April 2027.
When Do Nominations Close?
Nominations close on 15th January 2027.
A shortlist for local interviews will be compiled before the winners are selected in March 2027. The sailing trip will take place between 6th and 11th April 2027.
FAQs
A. Yes – both disabled and able bodied children can participate. Each person must be able to get around on their own, and able to negotiate stairs for a week. It will also require manoeuvring around in all weathers and unstable environments.
A. No (please see above).
A. Those put forward can not be older than the age of 18 when nominations close on January 15th 2027.
A. No, there must be separate forms completed for each nominee.
A. No, there is no cost involved to those participating in the Sail Training Awards.
A. Please visit their website at www.oytsouth.org for full details.
A. Winners will set sail from Tuesday 6th to Sunday 11th April 2027.
A. The voyage will depart and return to Ocean Village Marina in Southampton.
