An inspirational children’s charity which has taught thousands of Cornish youngsters to sail in the safety of the beautiful Helford River added seven new boats to its impressive fleet on Wednesday 6 April – thanks to more than £30,000 of funding support from the Duchy Health Charity, Trinity House and five Cornish businesses.  

The Helford River Children’s Sailing Trust with its scores of dedicated volunteers gives young people, including many with disabilities and special needs, the chance to get out on the water and work together, gaining skills and confidence and having huge amounts of fun in the process.  

Two new Whaly 435 safety boats, costing £12,000 apiece, have been funded by Trinity House and the Duchy Health Charity – which supports projects and organisations promoting the health and wellbeing of the people of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

The Trust’s dedication to young people won on-going support from the nearby Budock Vean Country House Hotel (whose owner Martin Barlow is also a volunteer and Trustee), Digs Property, Watson Marlow, Cornish Holiday Cottages and Steve Harman from Gunwalloe – each donating £1,500 towards five Pico sailing dinghies.  

This is the Duchy Health Charity’s third substantial grant to the Helford River Children’s Sailing Trust.  The Trust’s 150 volunteers now operate a combined fleet of around 80 craft – and the seven new boats have replaced other vessels which have seen many years of trusty service.