The Association of Sail Training Organisations (ASTO) brought together 222 young people aboard 21 vessels for its 2026 Small Ships event in Cowes, Isle of Wight, from 2–4 October, with light winds prompting organisers to replace the traditional race with a new Small Ships Challenge.
A further 86 volunteers and staff from across the UK supported the weekend, which featured 34 tasks designed to develop teamwork, resilience, creativity and problem-solving skills.
All Together Now – The ASTO Small Ships Challenge brought 222 young people aboard 21 vessels to Cowes, supported by 86 staff and volunteers for a weekend of teamwork, adventure and sail training. Photo: Paul Wyeth
Light Winds Bring Change of Plan
Originally scheduled as the annual Small Ships Race, the event was reorganised when insufficient wind across the Solent prevented the planned competition.
Instead, crews tackled challenges ranging from identifying and photographing different vessel types to navigating to designated locations, completing practical navigation exercises, making flags and preparing creative snack platters.
The revised format kept the event's competitive spirit while giving participants opportunities to build their sailing knowledge and work together.
Tectona, Challenger 4 and Bright Star Take Honours
Tectona won Class B, Challenger 4 secured the Class C1 title, and Bright Star finished first in Class C2. Each winning crew received a copy of the Adlard Coles Reeds Nautical Almanac, donated to the event.
A special award went to the youngest participant, 12-year-old Tilia Jackson, sailing aboard Tectona.
Challenge Accepted – Young sailors aboard Sea Cadets' TS City of London embrace the spirit of the ASTO Small Ships Challenge, which replaced the annual race after light winds disrupted plans in the Solent. Photo: Paul Wyeth
ASTO chief executive Kerry McMillan praised the young sailors' response to the change in plans.
"The Small Ships Challenge is a brilliant example of what makes sail training so powerful. While the weather may have changed our plans, it certainly didn't change the enthusiasm, commitment and determination shown by everyone taking part," she said. "The challenge encouraged young people to think creatively, work together and embrace new experiences. More importantly, it gave them the opportunity to build confidence, develop skills and create memories that will stay with them long after the event has ended."
Sail Training Tradition Includes Belfast
First held in 2002, ASTO's Small Ships Races have visited ports across Britain and Europe, including Belfast, London, Dartmouth and St Peter Port. Cowes has hosted an annual event since 2004. With at least half the crew members under 25, the programme combines sailing activities with opportunities for personal development and confidence-building at sea.
Fleet Together – Sail training vessels gather off Cowes for the 2026 ASTO Small Ships Challenge, where crews tackled 34 tasks testing navigation, creativity and teamwork in place of traditional racing. Photo: Paul Wyeth
ASTO trustee David Snelson CB said the crews had demonstrated an essential part of sail training by adapting to changing circumstances. "The essence of a sail training trip is to deal with what you have in front of you, adapt your plan and make the best of it. That's what we've done this weekend," he said.
For participants, the format change also offered a practical lesson in responding to disappointment.
One young sailor aboard Tall Ships Youth Trust's Challenger 5 reflected on the cancellation of the race.
"At first, I was quite disappointed about that, but then I thought, well, that's okay. I can still take as much out of it as I can. And I mean, it's such a learning experience that things can go wrong and it's still okay."
High Ambitions – Young trainees take to the yards aboard a tall ship during ASTO's Cowes weekend, highlighting the confidence, teamwork and practical seamanship skills developed through sail training. Photo: Paul Wyeth
The weekend concluded with organisers highlighting the contribution of member organisations, volunteers and vessel crews in delivering the event despite the challenging conditions. Further information is available from the Association of Sail Training Organisations.
