Exploring the boatyard: Excelsior Trust in Lowestoft 

Last year, our learners visited the Excelsior Trust boatyard for the first time. It quickly became a favourite among our students in Lowestoft. The hands-on experience has brought a whole new dimension to learning, giving our Further Education learners the chance to explore, engage, and develop practical skills in a unique environment. 

The boatyard visits aren’t just fun, they offer real-life learning opportunities. Students get to see how teamwork, problem-solving, and technical skills come together in a real-world setting. For many, it’s an exciting break from the classroom that still ties into their learning objectives. 

Excelsior Trust in Lowestoft 

The Excelsior Trust is a charitable organisation dedicated to preserving some of the UK’s most historic ships, including LT472 Excelsior, while providing life-changing sailing experiences for young and disadvantaged people, schools, and corporate groups. Their mission is not only to maintain these vessels but also to restore other ships of national importance, keeping Britain’s maritime heritage alive for future generations. 

How the Excelsior Trust in Lowestoft supports young people 

The Trust offers young people a unique blend of adventure, learning, and personal growth. Through sailing days, group voyages, and classic trips, participants gain practical sailing skills, teamwork, responsibility, and confidence. Programmes are designed to be inclusive, welcoming schools, youth organisations, and disadvantaged groups. 

Volunteering with the Trust gives young people hands-on experience, allowing them to take responsibility, contribute to a team, and develop skills that support future education and career pathways. 

How did our Lowestoft Further Education learners get involved? 

During their placement, learners were involved in the maintenance and upkeep of the historic sailing trawler Excelsior, a 1921 Lowestoft fishing smack. One of the key projects included supporting the replacement of the vessel’s main mast, bowsprit and top mast, using specially sourced Douglas fir and larch wood. Now 104 years old, Excelsior is a truly remarkable sight, and learners played a valuable role in helping to preserve and maintain this important piece of maritime heritage, as well as supporting the delivery of traditional sailing experiences.

Alongside restoration work, learners developed essential employability and life skills such as:

• Teamwork
• Problem-solving
• Communication
• Time management
• Attention to detail

Under supervision, they took part in a range of practical tasks including general maintenance, clearing up, painting, sanding, wood repair and preservation. The overall aim of the placement was to help learners gain hands-on experience, build confidence, independence and resilience, and develop skills that will support them in future employment and everyday life. 

Karol, General Manager at the Excelsior Trust says, “Hosting student groups has been extremely valuable for Excelsior Trust. The learners make a meaningful and practical contribution to the ongoing restoration and maintenance of Excelsior, significantly supporting the work required to meet our annual coding and safety requirements necessary for her to sail. This support is crucial in enabling Excelsior to remain operational and continue delivering opportunities for other young and disadvantaged people. In addition to the practical impact, working with learners brings fresh energy into the boatyard and encourages our staff and volunteers to share skills, knowledge and experience. An added benefit has been the natural development of mentoring relationships, with learners’ questions and enthusiasm often prompting reflection and new perspectives within the team.” 

Further Education Learners’ Success at The Excelsior Trust in Lowestoft

We’ve noticed that our learners have developed their problem-solving skills and confidently work within a team.  

Feedback from our learners has been overwhelmingly positive. Many have mentioned how much they enjoy the mix of outdoor activity and practical experience. They also appreciate the chance to socialise with peers in a relaxed, inspiring setting. 

Daren Parsley, WS Training Lowestoft Job Coach, says, “My learners who were there all said how much support they received from all the staff, a good environment to work in also, and how they enjoyed the experience.” 

“We’ve found that Further Education learners engage very positively with the activities at the boatyard. Being in a real, working environment makes a noticeable difference as  learners tend to become more focused, curious and motivated once they see how their skills apply in practice. During their visits, we see them develop practical skills such as tool handling, problem-solving and working safely, but also softer skills like teamwork, communication and confidence. Many learners grow in self-belief as they realise they can contribute meaningfully to genuine restoration and maintenance projects.” Karol, General Manager at The Excelsior Trust. 

Beyond sailing: heritage and skills 

Participants also engage in restoring and maintaining historic vessels. As well as learning traditional maritime skills such as sail repair, deck care, rope splicing, and painting or varnishing. These activities teach patience, attention to detail, practical problem-solving, and craftsmanship, while connecting learners to Britain’s rich maritime history. 

Partnership with WS Training, Lowestoft 

This experience has proved extremely popular with learners who enjoy hands-on work. Many are progressing to take part in the Trust’s sailing opportunities. This partnership highlights the real-world benefits of experiential learning, from skill development to confidence building. 

Karol also commented, “We’ve consistently found the learners to be respectful, enthusiastic and keen to learn, particularly when supported by staff who understand both the learners’ needs and the environment of the boatyard. The support from WS Training staff has been excellent, helping learners feel comfortable and prepared, which allows them to get the most out of their time with us. Overall, it’s a partnership we value highly and are pleased to continue developing.” 

Suzie Bates, WS Training Placement Assessor says, “Karol the manager is a very knowledgeable an capable teacher who has many years experience in the maritime sector. He is fair and approachable and well liked by all the students who commit to being at Excelsior. Very much a valued placement to WS training.” 

The Excelsior Trust offers more than sailing adventures…It provides life-changing experiences that build skills, resilience, and a sense of achievement. This opportunity allows learners to combine hands-on learning with personal growth. It also allows them to contribute to the preservation of the UK’s maritime heritage. 

Click here to find out more about Further Education at WS Training.