The Association of Sail Training Organisations
ASTO is the umbrella body for Sail Training in the UK. Our membership is made up of more than 30 not-for-profit organisations that operate more than 50 Sail Training vessels around the UK. On this page you can find more information about ASTO and the provision of Sail Training in the United Kingdom.
ASTO is a registered charity (no. 1083059) and a company registered in England and Wales (no.4084476).
ASTO's Royal Patron is Her Royal Highness Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, GCVO, GCStJ, CD
ASTO is a founding member of Sail Training International, the organisers of the Tall Ships Races.
The Association of Sail Training Organisations
ASTO is the umbrella body for Sail Training in the UK.
Our membership is made up of more than 30 not-for-profit organisations that operate more than 50 Sail Training vessels around the UK.
On this page you can find more information about ASTO and the provision of Sail Training in the United Kingdom.
ASTO is a registered charity (no. 1083059) and a company registered in England and Wales (no. 4084476).
ASTO's Royal Patron is Her Royal Highness Sophie, The Countess of Wessex GCVO.
ASTO is a founding member of Sail Training International, the organisers of the Tall Ships Races.
ASTO's mission is to promote Sail Training in the UK and to support the Sail Training Industry. It achieves this in a variety of ways:
Financial Support
Issuing grants from the Hammond Innes Bursary to member organisations to ensure that Sail Training is accessible to all, regardless of background or ability.
Staff Training
ASTO’s Trinity House bursary funds sailing qualifications for Sail Training staff and volunteers. ASTO also provides online Safeguarding and other courses.
Organising Events
ASTO organises events, such as the Small Ships Races, which help bring Sail Training into the public eye and provides the opportunity for our members to interact.
International Partnership
By working with our international partners, ASTO are able to organise and fund exciting Sail Training exchange opportunities for young people from all backgrounds.
Regulatory Work
ASTO works closely with governing bodies such as the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and the RYA to ensure appropriate regulation within the industry.
Compliance and Advice
Ensuring member compliance with ASTO policies and advising on those required by the regulatory framework (For example: Child protection and GDPR).
ASTO's mission is to promote Sail Training in the UK and to support the Sail Training Industry. It achieves this in a variety of ways:
Financial Support
Issuing grants from the Hammond Innes Bursary to member organisations to ensure that Sail Training is accessible to all, regardless of background or ability.
Staff Training
ASTO’s Trinity House bursary funds sailing qualifications for Sail Training staff and volunteers. ASTO also provides online Safeguarding and other courses.
Organising Events
ASTO organise annual events, such as the Small Ships Races, which help bring Sail Training into the public eye and provides the opportunity for our members to interact.
International Partnership
By working with our international partners, ASTO are able to organise and fund exciting Sail Training exchange opportunities for young people from all backgrounds.
Regulatory Work
ASTO works closely with governing bodies such as the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and the RYA to ensure appropriate regulation within the industry.
Compliance and Advice
Ensuring member compliance with ASTO policies and advising on those required by the regulatory framework (For example: Child protection and GDPR).
Sharing best practice.
ASTO also acts as a forum to share good practice within the sector. Regular meetings and an annual conference ensure members are kept up to date and work together. In addition to this, ASTO has played a part in advising government policy in the production of Codes of Practice for Sail Training vessels.
ASTO’s work is made possible by a generous legacy from the adventure author Hammond Innes.
ASTO is supported in its work by many charitable organisations, including: