15 May 2025
Brighter days and brighter nights are here, which can only mean one thing – brighter futures are on the horizon.
Whether you are joining us for the first time or coming back to make even more life-long memories, we can’t wait to see you. Since the moment summer ended last year, we have been plotting and planning 2025’s season. Now, the fun’s about to begin!
And there’s still time to sign up for a sailing adventure this summer too! Sign up for a sailing trip or email us at [email protected] if you have any questions.
Here is a look at what's in store:
A big step
Being away from home after the trauma of cancer is a big step. For many, an Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust trip is also the first step. It’s an important one as young people look towards a brighter future.
Mixed in with the excitement are nerves and questions. Don’t hesitate to get in touch. We are here to help every step of the way. Everyone is in the same boat – literally. Strangers become friends. Silence is filled with laughter. Worries are washed away.
More than 3,000 young people have been on an Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust adventure since 2003. Many of them have come back in the years following their first trip because they found new friends and a sense of belonging. Let’s make it a summer to remember, together.
What’s in store
Our sailing and outdoor adventures – 37 in total! – begin on 26 May and run through to September. Hundreds of young people will experience their first Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust adventure from Cowes on the Isle of Wight or Largs on Scotland’s west coast, spending four fantastic days smiling, laughing, and maybe raising a sail or two!
Hundreds more will return to Largs and Cowes for longer sailing adventures that go further afield, or join us around the country for different types of trips.
West Country Cruising is a new adventure for young people to take in Devon and Cornwall’s famous coastline from the sea, run with Island Sailing Trust. Returning for 2025 is our involvement in the world-famous Round the Island Race, for those keen for speed.
Alba and Prolific Adventures are run with Ocean Youth Trust Scotland and Ocean Youth Trust South respectively, and give young people the chance to experience different kinds of sailing on different kinds of boats.
Our ever-popular outdoor adventure offerings are back too, including Lakeland Adventures at Water Park, a staple of our summer. We have been visiting the stunning shores of Coniston Water for years and the trip is a firm favourite.
Back by popular demand is Flynne’s Barn, where young people plan the experience they want with their tripmates. Expect art, music, yoga, wildlife (the llamas were a big hit in 2024) and nature.
Crowden also makes its return, with open water canoeing, cave exploration, stream scrambling, and weaseling – an awesome mix of above-ground caving and parkour.
We return to Longtown Outdoors for our annual siblings trip. Siblings are impacted by the long-term illness of a sibling and need support too. This is a fun week of paddleboarding, gorge walking, archery and raft building, with other young people who understand.
Know someone who could benefit?
If you work with young people who could benefit from these transformational adventures, please signpost them to find out more and sign up here.