The AYC Schools Sailing Trust has been established to get young people from schools and youth groups in the Suffolk community on the water to benefit from the life skills that sailing and water-based sports can encourage – creativity, confidence, teamwork, communication, determination, and independence.  It is aimed at young people from the Suffolk community who have not had the chance to learn to sail or experience other water-based activities.

In 2021, Aldeburgh Yacht Club Schools Sailing Trust again ran a successful programme at AYC, after COVID prevented any activity in 2020.  It ran for 12 days over 4 weeks in June; 187 children from eight local schools had a great sailing experience, and 31 gained their RYA Stage 1 qualification.  Over forty volunteers were actively involved providing over two-thirds of the instructor, safety-boat and shore-based support. In addition AYCSST employed qualified instructors providing extra employment opportunities to our team of young instructors.  All this was supported by many generous donors and five supportive and repeat sponsors.

An educational outreach programme runs in advance of the sailing activities, so children arrive with some level of knowledge and perhaps fewer nerves. It teaches pupils about the history, geography and environment of the river on which they will learn to sail.

"The day our children spent at Aldeburgh Yacht Club opened up a whole new world of experiences for the children from our school. Not only was it an amazing opportunity for them to experience something new, take them out of their comfort zone and build their confidence, it also provided them with the opportunity to have first class sailing tuition. They all had a fantastic day.” Lucie Fairweather, Head teacher, Eyke Primary School.