Morning Star Trust

Youth sailing training from Hayling Island

Morning Star Trust is a UK-registered charity that has been taking young people to sea for forty-five years on training vessels purpose-built for that role. Its activity combines sailing instruction with personal development: according to its own presentation, those who sail with the organisation not only learn to sail but also learn about themselves and the environment in which they live.

The organisation describes itself as a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Recognised Training Centre and as a Duke of Edinburgh's Award Approved Activity Provider. It operates primarily from Northney Marina, on Hayling Island (Hampshire), although the information for each voyage may refer to other ports.

RYA courses and qualifications

The training programme covers everything from Competent Crew to Yachtmaster level. The organisation delivers practical courses, including Day Skipper and Competent Crew, as well as advanced practical courses and shorebased and theory courses. RYA training can be integrated into Duke of Edinburgh voyages.

Programmes for young people and Duke of Edinburgh Awards

Morning Star Trust organises residentials and expeditions linked to the Duke of Edinburgh's Awards, including the Gold Expedition and the Silver and Bronze levels. It also offers voyages for young people with a 2026 voyage programme, and has a line of specific activities that includes the ASTO Small Ships Race, Mile Builders, Pilgrimage and East Coast Discovery.

The organisation also works with groups and partner organisations, and publishes joining instructions for those taking part in a voyage or a shorebased course.

Fleet and boat tracking

The fleet identified on the site includes the yachts Bright Star, Eastern Star and Guiding Star, as well as Morning Star of Revelation. Each vessel has a mobile phone that is switched on at the beginning and end of voyages for last-minute enquiries, such as berth details. The website allows the position of the boats to be tracked via a fleet tracker, and the organisation maintains a permanent safety contact with vessels at sea.

Financial access and the nature of the organisation

Morning Star Trust presents itself as an organisation with a Christian foundation, comparable to a faith school, that welcomes everyone regardless of their worldview, faith or creed. Its commitment includes ensuring that everyone can experience sailing irrespective of cost, for which it has a bursary fund available on application.

Structure and transparency

The organisation publishes its annual report and sets out its governance structure, which includes a base team and a board of trustees. It is listed as a registered charity with number 328320 and as a company limited by guarantee with number 02412804, with its registered office in Enfield (Middlesex).

Location and contact

Northney Marina, Northney Road, Hayling Island, Hampshire, PO11 0NH · Phone: 01243 908026 · Email: info@mst.org.uk