Sea-Change Sailing Trust
Sea-Change provides residential opportunities for young people and vulnerable adults to learn and develop in a unique environment.
By living and working together aboard a traditional sailing vessel they participate in a wide range of life skills and are encouraged to take increasing responsibility for their contribution and group decisions.
We also undertake accredited traditional sailing and seamanship training for those who may be considering a maritime career. This includes the opportunity to handle cargo entirely under sail.
We offer a set of programmes from entry-level tasters to extended residential periods with accreditation. The charity is a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Training and Sailability Foundation centre, and some of our voyages are suitable for Duke of Edinburgh Gold Residential.
What we do & how we do it
Who is it for?
- Youth and vulnerable adults
- Maritime Heritage Training
- Adult Charter voyages
- Carrying cargo under sail
What makes us unique?
Blue Mermaid has no engine. We offer sail training voyages on an engineless vessel. We utilise solar power for most of our electrical needs onboard, and we pay to offset the little carbon that we do produce.
How we do it
You will sail the coastal waters of the Thames Estuary, usually from our base in Maldon, Essex. The nature of working on the water is one of variety, whether the result of the changing tidal pattern each day, the weather or destination.
Blue Mermaid
Blue Mermaid is a traditional Thames sailing barge. She was purpose built for the charity and entered service in 2019.
Our clients live onboard her during their residential voyages and supervised by our three experienced staff, they can fully participate in all the activities onboard, from handling sails and winding the windlass, to climbing the rigging and steering.
Sail with us
Established in 2007, the charity is an experienced provider of residential adventures afloat.
Over 200 people a year come sailing aboard Blue Mermaid, and we have an excellent safety record.
If you haven’t sailed before it isn’t a problem to us as we are used to working with groups of people from all backgrounds.
Latest Posts
30/06/2025
Yacht Carbon Offset
Certificate (6390001A): Sea-Change Sailing Trust 2024 & 2025 Yacht Carbon Offset is delighted to offer Seachange Sailing Trust, free of charge, the carbon offset of S.V. Blue Mermaid’s estimated fuel consumption for 2024 & 2025. Read More
13/06/2025
Executive Officer Richard Titchener Awarded MBE by King Charles
Birthday Honours 2025 We are delighted and pleased to report that our Executive Officer and Bargemaster Richard has been awarded the MBE in today’s Birthday Honours List. The citation reads: Richard Donald Titchener. Chief Executive… Read More
05/05/2025
5th May, Thames Sailing Barge Trust training weekend
Diggory Rose Thames sailing barges require a specific and esoteric skill set to get the very best of them. Evolved over 150 years of commercial and geographical pressure, Blue Mermaid is the newest barge to… Read More
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