Join Us
Have you been on a trip with us, are a ticketed skipper or just passionate about sailing and young people then this is your chance to get more involved.
The Discovery Sailing Project (DSP) is run mainly by volunteers and we are always delighted to welcome new volunteers. If you would like to help out, Get in touch.
Experienced sailors
There are a range of roles as Sea Staff, depending on age, experience and qualifications. All adults start off as “Supernumerary” until they have found their feet sailing with us. Then if they wish they can progress through to Mate and Skipper.
The Royal Yachting Association Day Skipper is a key qualification for progress to Mate, and the Project helps people to train for that, as well as miles and experience on our voyages counting towards the prerequisites.
Whatever a person’s skill level, our yachts are a learning environment where people enjoy themselves and we help one another to develop. Above all we have fun!
14 – 24 Year Olds
If you are 14 – 24 yrs old then firstly you need to come on a voyage with us as crew. Encourage your Scout Troop / Explorer Unit / Network group / other youth group / school to book a weekend voyage with us. Even better, get them to book onto a voyage as part of our summer series – have a look at our Sailing Programme.
Crew who show particular enthusiasm and interest in sailing during the year are selected to come back for Watch Leader training – a 5 day voyage held during the October half term each year. This is a good fun week where you will have the opportunity to complete your RYA Competent Crew certificate, and learn the basics of being a Watch Leader.
If you pass Watch Leader training, you’ll be invited to join the project as an Explorer (under 16) or Junior Watch Leader. You’ll get to sail with the Project, and get further training and access to RYA courses and qualifications at reduced prices. You’ll also get to come and help out during refit weekends over winter. All this will help you work your way up the Sail Training ladder, where ultimately you could become qualified as a Skipper.
Over 25, not a sailor but still want to get involved?
Fantastic we are always looking for enthusiastic people to help us out and here are a few ways you can join in the fun…
Help us during refit
Refits are an ideal opportunity to learn new maintenance skills and meet new people. With three yachts and only one paid member of staff, refits are always busy. During this period the yachts undergo important maintenance to ensure they are kept in the best possible condition and up the standard that the MCA Code of Practice demands. You don’t have to be skilled to help us at refit – everyone is welcome. However if you do have a skill please let us know so we can plan the refit programme.
Voluntary administration work
Local to Southampton? If you’re able to give up a few hours here and there to carry out admin tasks in the office you could make a huge difference to the project. By relieving the Project Organiser it will enable them to get on with other tasks to ensure the success and continual growth of Discovery Sailing Project.
Become a Friend of Discovery
Friends of Discovery make a regular donation and receive emails about Discovery Sailing Project providing news, dates of events as well as sailing opportunities. Friends of Discovery are usually those who wish to stay in touch but don’t have the time to sail with us regularly.
Please contact us to register your interest in becoming involved with one or more of these opportunities.
Have you already sailed with us? Or are you interested in volunteering? Get in touch to start the experience!