Yachting offers a truly unforgettable way to experience the water, combining adventure, skill-building, and the thrill of harnessing wind and tide aboard a sea-going vessel. It’s a chance to explore open waters, learn the ropes of navigation and seamanship, and work as part of a close-knit crew. Whether you’re hoisting sails, plotting courses, or cooking below deck, yachting builds confidence, resilience, and camaraderie in a unique and challenging environment.
At the heart of our yachting programme is Setanta, the West Lancs County yacht. Fully equipped and skippered by qualified volunteers, Setanta is available for Scout groups to book for day sails, weekend trips, or longer expeditions. These experiences are tailored to suit all levels, from complete beginners to those working toward RYA qualifications like Start Yachting or Competent Crew.
We welcome Scouts, Explorers, Network members, and Adults to join us on board, and we’re always looking for volunteers who want to support yachting or help others discover life at sea. If you’re passionate about sailing and keen to get involved, we’d love to hear from you!
For cubs and beavers we suggest Dinghy Sailing.
The main way for groups to access yachting is through our county yacht Setanta moored on Ulleswater. Groups can also explore commercial providers which offer all inclusive packages for oversees and channel crossing trips.
Scouts & Explorer setanta sessions
Splashu can provide a qualified skipper for a day out on Setanta. During your day on board Setanta, you’ll get hands-on with the basics of sailing, hoisting sails, trimming and tacking, and even taking the helm to steer the yacht across Ullswater. You’ll learn simple navigation techniques, handle lines, and work together as a crew to manage speed and direction. It’s a fun, practical experience that builds confidence, teamwork, and decision-making, all while exploring one of the Lake District’s most beautiful waterways. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to build on existing skills, your skipper will tailor the day to suit your group.
Take your own group on the water
Qualified and experienced skippers can hire the boat to take groups out themselves.
Individuals can complete recognised yachting qualifications such as RYA Start Yachting, Competent Crew, or Day Skipper, through a range of accredited sea schools across the UK. These courses offer structured training and certification that can support both recreational sailing and leadership roles. Closer to home, we can also organise tailored training sessions aboard Setanta, our County yacht moored at Ullswater. These sessions are ideal for Scouts, Explorers, Network members, and Adults who want to build experience and work toward qualifications in a supportive, hands-on environment
What is a permit?
To lead a water activities session for young people, as a Scout instructor, you will need an activities permit. To gain one you make an application to an assessor for the activity you want to lead, and they check your skills, experience and suitability for the permit requested
Starting point
To gain a permit, you will need to demonstrate competency in the activity you want to lead, and skills in working with groups of young people. Getting on the water regularly and working towards yachting qualifications is a strong path to gaining a permit
Support to gain a permit
Splashu is keen to support those who wish to gain permits. We can offer access to skills development courses and a buddy to support progression towards a permit. In some cases, we may be able to offer support towards funding. Support is also available via the adventurous activity development team. More information can be found here https://westlancsscouts.org.uk/activities/adventurous-activity-permit-scheme/
Permit assessment opportunities
Splashu can organise permit assessments ad-hoc, during an existing activity or through permit assessment events. Drop us an enquiry to see if we can accommodate an individual assessment.
Join the team & instruct
We are always looking for help on the water. If your an instructor or an enthusiast keen to help on the water, please get in touch!.
Our ambition is to offer a programme of expeditions and international yachting trips. We are keen to hear from experienced yachters, with an interest in mentoring young people, leading adventurous journeys, and shaping unforgettable experiences on the water. We welcome your expertise and enthusiasm to help inspire the next generation of Scouts
Setanta Yacht
What’s it like?
“Setanta” is moored on Ullswater at the Ullswater Yacht Club. Your skipper will meet you near the yacht club entrance to take you on an amazing day out exploring Ullswater whilst you hoist the sails, take the tiller and learn to sail this super yacht.
You don’t need any prior experience, just a desire to learn the ropes on this exciting hands-on day out in the Lakes.
How many can go sailing?
The yacht’s capacity is 8 people, comprising: 5 young people, 1 of your leaders, plus our skipper and assistant. If you bring more young people they will split into sessions. The maximum number per day is 15 young people split across 3 sessions. When you are not sailing, you will need to arrange alternative off-site activities.
How much does it cost?
The cost is £110 per day.
When can we go?
The sailing season is from May to October. All sailings are weather dependent. Your skipper will decide whether it is safe to set sail.
To book your next adventure, click on the date you want to go sailing and fill in the booking form.
Not sure which dates you want or how many young people are coming? Please contact the Yachting team rather than making a speculative booking.
Help, I need more information!
We have provided more information, including places to stay, a kit list and risk assessment in our Joining Instructions. You can download them from the Going Yachting page.
Problems with online booking system? Please contact the Yachting team