Project - Derwenthaugh Boat Station

Boating is a powerful tool in developing self confidence, teamwork, and a respect for equipment; all essential life skills.

For over 20 years, the Derwenthaugh Boat Station has introduced thousands of the North East's young people to a range of boating and sailing skills. It is regularly used by over 200 young people and their leaders, some from city areas who would normally be excluded from this experience.

The Boat Station is a recognised training establishment of the Royal Yachting Association accredited to award qualifications in sailing, powerboating, and associated subjects. It is a self-standing charity with a staff of fully qualified volunteers that is affiliated to the MSSC.

It offers a unique range of waterborne training using a wide variety of craft including power boats, a fleet of sailing dinghies and a number of purpose-designed rowing boats.

Its proximity to one of the River Tyne's unrestricted areas allows high-speed operations for safety boat training. This national standard facility delivers training programmes in sailing, powerboating and rowing; courses are of day, weekend and week long duration.