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Young People Sail the Solent and Come Home with New Skills

29th September 2026

Seven young people from Step by Step recently swapped dry land for open water, spending five days crewing a yacht along the south coast with Ocean Youth Trust South.

The week was about much more than sailing. It gave the young people a chance to learn practical life skills, build confidence and self-belief, and discover what they can achieve as a team. Supported by Step by Step staff and a volunteer, they took on every job on board: hoisting sails, steering, carrying out daily engine checks, cooking, cleaning and keeping watch.

Given the choice of an easy first evening or a longer night sail to Weymouth, the group chose Weymouth unanimously and arrived under a clear, starlit sky. Over the week they practised man overboard and fire drills, learned knots and the parts of the boat, and sailed on to Lymington and Cowes before returning to Southampton, covering 136 miles in total.

Every young person earned an RYA Start Yachting certificate, a recognised qualification that also shows teamwork, focus and the ability to stick at something new. Many said they finished the week feeling more confident and better at communicating, and one young person left planning a career at sea.

"I made new friends and worked well with different people," said one young person. Another added: "I loved the trip and want to do it again."

At Step by Step, we believe that alongside a safe place to live, every young person deserves the chance to try something new and discover what they are capable of. A week at sea can reveal strengths a young person didn't know they had, and that belief stays with them into their next steps towards independence.

A huge thank you to Ocean Youth Trust South and their team, whose expertise and encouragement made this voyage so special. The young people came home with new skills, new friendships and memories that will stay with them for a long time.

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