Sail Training Foundation Finland was established in 1973 with the mission to awaken an interest in the sea within young people from all walks of life. Social development and community are core values that have anchored our work since the very beginning.
We organise youth sailing experiences in accordance with Sail Training principles, teaching sailing as a learn-as-you-go activity. Participants are not required to have any prior experience or knowledge about sailing. Instead, everyone learns along the way, while contributing equally to daily life aboard the ship. Confidence and skills are quickly gained while on the journey.
The feedback on learning-by-sailing and sailing as a group activity has been overwhelmingly positive, and the Sail Training method has, time and time again, proven to be an effective way to learn about life, self and community.
We believe sailing and adventures at sea should be accessible to all young people, regardless of means or background. We offer various scholarships and financial aid to help cover participation costs.
Sail Training Foundation Finland is part of the global Sail Training International umbrella organisation.
For over 30 years, the foundation has cooperated with numerous third sector organisations. Our partnership with Snupu (Sail Trainees of Finland) is the cornerstone of our work; together we organise sailing training activities for young people, and provide a training programme which allows them to volunteer and gain skills aboard the schooner Helena, advancing even as far as deck officer.
Since the early 2000s, we have cooperated with a range of organisations across the social sector, as well as a multitude of partners including Kalliolan Kisko klinikka (rehabilitation), Heikki Lampola Säätiö, SOS-lapsikylä (child welfare), Y-Säätiö (non-profit housing), SVEPS (youth work), and several others. We always endeavour to collaborate with organisations working with young people to help provide experiences and opportunities to everyone.
In addition to our youth work, we also organise various different kinds of sailing experiences for adults, as well as bespoke events for student and community groups. These events make it possible for us to continue our important work in making sailing, sea and adventure available to all.
Sail Training is an educational adventure activity carried out on a wide range of different types of vessels all over the world. Adventuring at sea and learning to sail provide participants with a unique opportunity for personal growth and discovery, as well as for building social and teamwork skills.
Sail Training participants face many physical and emotional challenges, and the experience is first and foremost a way to learn about oneself, both as an individual and as part of a group. As such, sail training has a lot in common with other forms of adventure education. You can learn more about adventure education on the Finnish Youth Centre foundation’s website.
There is a vast body of international research surrounding the value and impact of Sail Training, much of which has been compiled and published by Sail Training International on their research portal.
For further reading in English, see e.g.: Denisov, A: The effects of long-term sail training trips as part of alternative education on young people’s personal development (2022)
All of our Sail Training operations are run entirely by volunteers. Through the efforts and dedication of around 70 active volunteers, we are able to help hundreds of participants, from trainees to experienced sailors, take to the seas each year.
Sail Training Foundation Finland carries out various educational programmes that aim to develop the Sail Training method and help participating groups reach their goals.
The Venda programme combined year-round group-based adventure education with personal support for finding one’s direction in life.
The programme’s primary activity was sail training on the schooner Helena. The programme was designed for 18–29 year-olds living in the Helsinki region who were not in education or work, who were in need of guidance to find their direction. Participation was free and voluntary.
The programme ran from 1st May 2021 to 30th April 2023. The main organiser was Valo-Valmennusyhdistys, partnered with Y-Säätiö. Funding was provided by the European Social Fund.
The ”seafarer’s driving licence” was a project funded by Finland’s Ministry of Education and Culture. The aim of the project was to increase awareness of maritime studies and work opportunities; to gain experience and confidence at sea, open up jobs at sea (such as work on charter ships and summer work), and bring attention to maritime study opportunities.
The programme was designed for 18–29 year-olds, with priority given to those not in work or education at the time. Participation both in the programme and individual training sessions was free.
Photo by: Jasper Armanto
The Meriheimo programme was a joint endeavour between Sail Training Foundation Finland and Y-Säätiö, funded by The Funding Centre for Social Welfare and Health Organisations (STEA).
The programme was aimed at young adults in the Helsinki region who were at the cusp of independence. By combining Sail Training with expert advice, peer support and personal guidance, the programme aimed to help participants develop essential life skills and improve employability.
The programme’s working materials are free to access and use at Innokylä.
Photo by: Heini Kaasalainen
You can reach us by telephone or email.
Please leave a callback request in case we weren’t able to take your call!
Our office is open Mon–Thurs 9am–1pm
Linnankatu 72, 20110 Turku
+358 45 7836 3057
stafinfo@staf.fi
