The University of Edinburgh in Scotland has released the results of an international study of the benefits of “sail training”—that is, teaching young people to sail tall ships. The international research study of 17 sail training programs noted the following key findings:

• Young trainees who participate in offshore sail training programs show measurable improvements in social confidence and ability to work with others, and the benefits are sustained over time.

• The most common reasons for young people wanting to participate in a sail-training voyage are the anticipation of adventure, making new friends, seeing new places and conquering the fear of heights.

• The positive value of the sail training experience transcends national and cultural boundaries.

• The most effective sail training experience in developing social confidence and teamwork skills is delivered by vessel operators who offer well-structured educational programs; the more emphasis there is on defined and purposeful activity relating to these goals, the more successful the program is in those terms.

Study results are available at www.sailtraininginternational.org.

Victoria’s own youth sail training program, Sail and Life Training Society (SALTS), participated in the study. Founded in 1974, SALTS is a non-profit organization that helps young people develop life skills through sail training, and builds and restores traditional wooden ships in their heritage shipyard. It operates two tall ships and takes more than 2,000 young people sailing each year off the coast of Vancouver Island and on occasional offshore voyages.

The SALTS tall ship Pacific Grace will return from 12 months in the South Pacific and Far East on June 14. View recent photos at www.salts.ca/offshore.

For more information about the Sail and Life Training Society, contact Loren Hagerty at 250-383-6811, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or via the website, www.salts.ca.