Good Idea: Young people set sail to learn about teamwork and self-confidence

Provider Ocean Youth Trust North
Name OYT Voyages

Young people’s projects often use youth steering groups to lead their work. But the Ocean Youth Trust North (OYTN) takes this more literally, by allowing young people to take the helm of a 70-foot yacht.

Groups of young people from all backgrounds have been taking part in five- or six-day trips on the James Cook yacht since it was launched on the River Tyne 25 years ago. Young people from organisations such as schools, Scout groups or the probation service board the ship without any prior experience and are helped by volunteer sailors.

“Being on the boat is not really about learning how to sail, it’s about developing self-confidence, being part of a team and accommodating other people,” says Steve Lennon, general manager of OYTN. “Sometimes half of the crew want to sail to Norway, and the other half feels seasick and wants to go home. There has to be a compromise.”