Pioneer Sailing Trust

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Pioneer Sailing Trust page for The Pioneer Sailing Trust. https://linktr.ee/pioneerck18 Pioneer has accommodation for three qualified crew and twelve trainees.

Once it became apparent the complex restoration of Pioneer was possible, the decision was made to set up Pioneer Sailing Trust in 1999. The trust, whose founder trustees were Mary Falk, Charles Harker and Rupert Marks, is a registered charity. From day one practical help and funding has arrived in generous measure from many individuals, organisations and local businesses. Pioneer’s new purpose is to offer young people the challenge of sailing, which often proves to be a life changing experience. As a powerful and strong sea going vessel, she is ideally suited for day sailing or passage work in the Thames estuary, across the North Sea or the English Channel. Being a crew member highlights and emphasises many vital qualities essential in life and the trust believes these practical and new experiences helps develop young people. The trust also opened Harker’s Yard in 2009 to further its work with training and education in the marine industry and provided opportunities for work experience and apprenticeships in marine engineering and boat building and repair. Pioneer Sailing Trust works closely with life development trusts, training agencies, councils, social services and other organisations devoted to improving the life prospects of young people, many of whom deal with difficult circumstances. Young people often find time at the trust opens new windows of opportunity.

29/10/2026

🎟 SHIPSHAPE NETWORK EAST HUB EVENT
📍 Harker's Yard, Brightlingsea
🗓 Saturday 7th November | 10:00 – 15.00

Join National Historic Ships UK and Pioneer Sailing Trust for our Shipshape Network East Hub event this November, and learn about some fantastic maritime heritage projects!

This exciting event brings together heritage organisations, industry professionals, volunteers, and maritime enthusiasts for a day of talks, networking, guided tours, and hands-on insight into traditional boatbuilding and sail training.

SPEAKERS:
🎤 Essex Heritage Workboats
🎤 The Sutton Hoo Ships Company
🎤 Thames Sailing Barge Trust (TSBT)
🎤 TS Rigging Ltd

PLUS:
⛵ Explore the historic vessel Pioneer CK18
🔨 Learn about restoration projects and apprenticeships
🤝 Connect with others passionate about preserving our coastal heritage
☕ Enjoy refreshments and a light buffet

Whether you're involved in heritage work, curious about traditional skills, or simply love the sea, this is a fantastic opportunity to get inspired and meet like-minded people. Tickets are £8.30 each and cover all presentations, lunch, refreshments, and tours.

TO BOOK YOUR PLACE, SEE BOOKING LINK IN BIO

Another exciting opportunity for an Apprenticeship at one of our partner organisations, Haines Boatyard, Itchenor, Chich...
28/10/2026

Another exciting opportunity for an Apprenticeship at one of our partner organisations, Haines Boatyard, Itchenor, Chichester.

Train with us, work with Haines!

Take a look at the GOV Find an apprenticeship link here: https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeship/VAC2000061419

Or feel free to contact us on 01206 303373 for any further information!

We’ve introduced a new way to find and apply for an apprenticeship in England.

23/10/2026

Welcome to Episode 11! In Part 3 of Jinnie’s Apron & Stem restoration, we join boatbuilder Alan and our apprentices at Pioneer Sailing Trust as they take a closer look at one of the more challenging stages of the whole boat restoration process.

It’s a careful, steady process that requires patience, precision and plenty of problem-solving! The team begins by locating the end of the existing apron and using a plywood bridle to help position the stem. With multiple angles and bevels to consider, getting everything to line up correctly is no easy task.

The stem and apron are bolted together, so accuracy is essential. After gluing many thin pieces of timber together to create the new components, it’s time to see whether the patterns match the original apron and stem before work begins on the new pieces.

The apron and stem prove more complex than the transom, with their multiple shapes and bevels adding an extra layer of difficulty. The original apron itself is made in two parts, meaning the team must take great care to preserve its shape and avoid any breakages.

Apprentice Leon gets hands-on, measuring the widths of the old apron and transferring them onto the new timber to establish the beading and ghostline.

Every measurement matters, every angle counts, and every stage offers another opportunity to learn. It’s a real learning curve — pardon the pun! — as the team works together to bring this historic West Mersea oyster skiff one step closer to restoration.

⚓ Join us for Part 3 and see traditional boatbuilding skills being passed on to the next generation at Pioneer Sailing Trust.

https://youtu.be/RHAVeRp4XIo

⛵ ONLY 3 SPACES LEFT! Join us for a Day Sail this Saturday, 24th October! 🌊Looking for a unique way to explore our beaut...
21/10/2026

⛵ ONLY 3 SPACES LEFT! Join us for a Day Sail this Saturday, 24th October! 🌊

Looking for a unique way to explore our beautiful local coastline? Join us aboard Pioneer CK18, the last surviving Essex Skillinger Smack, for a fantastic day of sailing, learning and adventure!

✨ Just £60 per person!

📅 Date: Saturday, 24th October
⏰ Time: 09:30–16:30 (approximately)
📍 Location: Pioneer Sailing Trust

We'll begin with a morning briefing at Pioneer Sailing Trust before heading out to sail around the Rivers Colne and Blackwater. You'll discover our local area from a completely different perspective, enjoy being out on the water, and have the chance to learn the ropes of sailing this remarkable historic vessel.

🥪 Please note: Lunch is not included, so remember to bring your own!

📧 Ready to join the adventure? Email George at [email protected] to reserve your space.

⚓ With only 3 spaces remaining, don't miss out on this special opportunity to get out on the water!

20/10/2026

🎟 SHIPSHAPE NETWORK EAST HUB EVENT
📍 Harker's Yard, Brightlingsea
🗓 Saturday 7th November | 10:00 – 15.00

Join National Historic Ships UK and Pioneer Sailing Trust for our Shipshape Network East Hub event this November, and learn about some fantastic maritime heritage projects!

This exciting event brings together heritage organisations, industry professionals, volunteers, and maritime enthusiasts for a day of talks, networking, guided tours, and hands-on insight into traditional boatbuilding and sail training.

SPEAKERS:
🎤 Essex Heritage Workboats
🎤 The Sutton Hoo Ships Company
🎤 Thames Sailing Barge Trust (TSBT)
🎤 TS Rigging Ltd

PLUS:
⛵ Explore the historic vessel Pioneer CK18
🔨 Learn about restoration projects and apprenticeships
🤝 Connect with others passionate about preserving our coastal heritage
☕ Enjoy refreshments and a light buffet

Whether you're involved in heritage work, curious about traditional skills, or simply love the sea, this is a fantastic opportunity to get inspired and meet like-minded people. Tickets are £8.30 each and cover all presentations, lunch, refreshments, and tours.

TO BOOK YOUR PLACE, SEE BOOKING LINK IN BIO & COMMENTS

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us at Pioneer Sailing Trust for one of our Boat Restoration Experience Days! ⛵🔨I...
20/10/2026

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us at Pioneer Sailing Trust for one of our Boat Restoration Experience Days! ⛵🔨

It was an absolute pleasure to meet you all and share our passion for traditional boat restoration. We were especially delighted to welcome visitors from near and far, including someone from Wales and another all the way from Indonesia, who just happened to be visiting the UK during our event!

We hope you all had a fantastic day with us, enjoyed getting hands-on with the boats, and came away having learnt some new and interesting restoration techniques.

Thank you for spending the day with us. We loved having you on board and hope to see you again soon! ⚓💙

With special thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and their players for helping support our heritage projects here at Pioneer Sailing Trust!

20/10/2026
16/10/2026

🎟 SHIPSHAPE NETWORK EAST HUB EVENT
📍 Harker's Yard, Brightlingsea
🗓 Saturday 7th November | 10:00 – 15.00

Join National Historic Ships UK and Pioneer Sailing Trust for our Shipshape Network East Hub event this November, and learn about some fantastic maritime heritage projects!

This exciting event brings together heritage organisations, industry professionals, volunteers, and maritime enthusiasts for a day of talks, networking, guided tours, and hands-on insight into traditional boatbuilding and sail training.

SPEAKERS:
🎤 Essex Heritage Workboats
🎤 The Sutton Hoo Ships Company
🎤 Thames Sailing Barge Trust (TSBT)
🎤 TS Rigging Ltd

PLUS:
⛵ Explore the historic vessel Pioneer CK18
🔨 Learn about restoration projects and apprenticeships
🤝 Connect with others passionate about preserving our coastal heritage
☕ Enjoy refreshments and a light buffet

Whether you're involved in heritage work, curious about traditional skills, or simply love the sea, this is a fantastic opportunity to get inspired and meet like-minded people. Tickets are £8.30 each and cover all presentations, lunch, refreshments, and tours.

TO BOOK YOUR PLACE, SEE BOOKING LINK IN BIO

A massive thank you to Brightlingsea Museum for sailing with us last Wednesday despite the miserable British weather! We...
14/10/2026

A massive thank you to Brightlingsea Museum for sailing with us last Wednesday despite the miserable British weather! We hope you had a lovely day out on the water and thank you for supporting us here at Pioneer Sailing Trust, and for volunteering your time during our busy multi-activity weeks!

Pioneer in the sunset! 🌅 Thank you to Graeme from Sudbury Sea Scouts for capturing these awesome shots of Pioneer CK18 d...
14/10/2026

Pioneer in the sunset! 🌅

Thank you to Graeme from Sudbury Sea Scouts for capturing these awesome shots of Pioneer CK18 during their sailing experience with us here at Pioneer Sailing Trust. ⛵️

Address

Harker's Yard, Shipyard Estate
Brightlingsea
CO70AR

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

+441206303373

Website

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