Helen Mary R is more than just a boat—she is the beating heart of our Sail Training organisation and a life-changing experience for thousands of young people. Built in 1985 and launched in 1986, she is proudly based in Fowey, Cornwall, with the Morvargh Sailing Project.

Helen Mary R has been at the heart of our mission since 2010: helping young people grow, find confidence, and discover who they are through the unique experience of Sail Training. She is more than a vessel; she’s a classroom, a safe space, and a launchpad for life.

After four decades of service, she now needs us. To ensure she can keep changing lives for another 40 years, we need to raise £100,000 for a major refit—replacing her sails, renewing her systems, and preparing her to continue her vital work. This isn’t just about keeping a boat afloat. It’s about preserving a legacy of impact and investing in the futures of the young people we serve.

We must undertake this major refit to futureproof the vessel and ensure it can continue offering life-changing experiences to young people for decades.

Where your donations will be spent

We need to raise approximately £100,000 to undertake this major refit, which will futureproof the vessel and ensure she can continue to offer life-changing experiences to young people for decades to come. We are actively looking for the best options both financially and with regard to longevity - we are approaching individual companies to try and work with them to reduce the cost of each item. Here’s what we need to replace or renew:

Replacement Sail Suite - £34,080 – Priority 1

Essential for safe offshore sailing. Our current sails are ageing and need complete replacement to ensure reliability for years to come. In order of importance:

Engine Replacement or Rebuild - £20,000 – Priority 2

The beating heart of the boat, “Polly Perkins,” is nearing the end of her life and needs either a rebuild or replacement. A rebuild will cost in the region of £14,500 – whilst potential new engines are shown below, there is also the cost of the marine engineer to fit it. With that in mind, it is likely more cost-effective to replace the engine in the long term rather than spend the capital on rebuilding - a new engine comes with a 5-year warranty.

Running Rigging Replacement - £1,297 – Priority 3

Replacement Interior Cushions - £9,456 – Priority 4

The current bunks have served thousands of young people and crew but are now due for replacement to maintain comfort and hygiene onboard. This replaces the bunk cushions with new foam and a removable, zipped upholstery cover. We have 16 bunks! The individual cost is £492.50 per cushion.

Hull Maintenance - £5,000 – Priority 5

While structurally sound, her hull requires essential care:

Navigation and Radar Systems - £11,189 – Priority 6

We are preparing to replace our ageing Raymarine E Series plotters and radar, which are now increasingly obsolete. The charts used by these units can no longer be updated, limiting their reliability and accuracy. At the same time, with the UK Hydrographic Office phasing out the supply of paper charts, we must move towards a ‘digital first’ approach to navigation. Upgrading our systems will ensure we remain compliant with modern safety standards, support effective voyage planning and execution, and maintain confidence in our onboard navigation.

Standing Rigging Replacement - £22,000 – Priority 7

Not due to be replaced until 2027, this vital structural equipment holds the masts in place. Replacement of the standing rigging is required every 10 years.

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As a small organisation, we don’t have enough capital reserves each year to undertake this major refit. Every year we delay means more costs later on and a further year of vessel systems degrading. Finding funding is becoming extremely limited due to many other charities & social enterprises fighting for the same pot of money and not enough funding to go around; we need to turn to this GoFundMe to support this major refit.

Your support today ensures that Helen Mary R remains ready to...

Inspire. Renew. Endure.

Thank you so, so much for donating!