Historic Junk Yacht helping those facing challenge

 

Historic Junk Yacht helping those facing challenge

 

Historic Junk Yacht helping those facing challenge

 

Historic Junk Yacht helping those facing challenge

 

Historic Junk Yacht helping those facing challenge

 

Historic Junk Yacht helping those facing challenge

 

Historic Junk Yacht helping those facing challenge

 

Historic Junk Yacht helping those facing challenge

 

Historic Junk Yacht helping those facing challenge

 

Historic Junk Yacht helping those facing challenge

 

Historic Junk Yacht helping those facing challenge

 

Historic Junk Yacht helping those facing challenge

 

Historic Junk Yacht helping those facing challenge

 

Historic Junk Yacht helping those facing challenge

 

Historic Junk Yacht helping those facing challenge

 

Historic Junk Yacht helping those facing challenge

Welcome to Boleh and the Boleh Trust

Boleh means ‘can do’ in Malay and it is this ‘can do’ philosophy which has driven the Boleh Trust, first to restore Boleh and then to put her back to work, restoring self-confidence, developing teamwork and rebuilding lives. This website describes the sailing projects delivered by Boleh and tells her amazing ‘can-do’ story.

Boleh herself is a 40ft historic junk yacht built in Singapore by Malay shipwrights and sailed to Salcombe, Devon with a Naval crew in 1950 by her owner and designer, Commander Robin Kilroy DSC. Re-launched in 2015 and MCA-coded, Boleh now provides a unique sailing experience for those who will benefit most.

Please explore the website and read about Boleh’s role helping others and the major events in her life, from launch in 1949 to her recommissioning for Charitable Service in 2022 by HRH the Princess Royal.

Boleh Celebrates in Salcombe
Its A Soldiers Life With Boleh

Our Charitable Projects

Sailing and sail training are widely recognised as effective ways of building individual self-confidence and the ability to work as part of a team. UK Sail Training have researched the many positive outcomes achieved on a typical voyage which can be accessed here.

In their words “Sail training provides an intense, structured, environment with defined boundaries and a clear common purpose.  Participants learn to manage themselves and interact with others, dramatically boosting self-awareness and confidence.”

The charitable aims of the Boleh Trust are to help adults and young people challenged in some way to develop these skills and thereby enable them to participate in society as responsible individuals – and Boleh works to this end.

We also have a close link with the Armed Services and provide both recovery and recreational sailing programmes for Service personnel and their families. In a typical Season Boleh will be at sea for 120 days, sailing some 300 young people and 150 adults.

Historic Junk Yacht helping those facing challenge

Sail Boleh and be Inspired

Sailing is also enjoyable, challenging and fulfilling, providing opportunities for individual and group recreation and for team building. Whether on Corporate or Private Charter, Boleh’s unusual design and history ensure a memorable sailing experience.

Above all, Boleh’s ‘Can-do’ story – of dreams brought to reality and challenges overcome – creates an inspirational environment. Combine this with the character of a totally unique, traditionally built wooden vessel and the experience of sailing in Boleh can last a lifetime.

You can also experience the magic of Boleh by volunteering to help us.  We rely on our wonderful volunteers to deliver all aspects of our work.  Join the Boleh Team and help us – from qualified Skipper or Mate, to Open Day Steward or IT Manager  – we need you!

Sail Boleh

If you'd like to sail Boleh....Please get in touch!

If you, or an organisation you support, are interested in sampling the ‘Boleh experience’ and sharing the ‘can-do’ story, please email us at projectboleh@gmail.com or give Operations Director, Craig a call on 07958 610436.  Details of Boleh and her specifications can be found in the ‘Sail Boleh’ section of the website here.  All funds raised from the commercial operation of Boleh are used to support the charitable activities of the Boleh Trust.

Testimonials

What people are saying about us

“
Johnny MorrisNaval Recovery Manager, Faslane, May 2022

“The lads got so much from their time on Boleh. They really bonded as a team, shared stories and experiences, and grew in confidence as the course progressed. We are all very grateful to the Boleh Trust and to our funders for this positive experience.”

“
Commodore Jeremy BaileyPortsmouth Naval Base Commander, June 2022

“Fantastic to join the Naval Recovery Programme briefly and learn so much about the Boleh Trust’s impressive work and how the Royal Navy delivers an active programme for our most important asset – our people.”

“
SupervisorGosport & Fareham Multi Academy Trust schools, June 2022

“These sails provide a great balance of learning while being fun”

“
TeacherAll Saints Academy, June 2022

“On behalf of the students, the school and myself, can I thank you for the wonderful opportunity. Both groups had an amazing day sailing. The teams that led the days were fantastic. They were super friendly, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic. Please pass on my gratitude to them.”

“
StephenTeacher, Budmouth Academy, July 2022

“We’ve had a whale of a time, Thank you so much, Craig you’ve been great and the students loved it””

“
Mark SalmonAssistant Vice Principal, Wey Valley School, August 2022

“Feedback from the children: “It has been one of the best days…..ever”; “We don’t want it to end”; “We want to stay longer”; “Such a good day and such good value at £5”

“
Young CarersYouth Action Wiltshire, August 2022

“This is so cool, I never thought I would be able to do this”; “I have had the best day…I want to do this again”; and “I didn’t think I would enjoy it as much as I did”

“
MandyTeacher, Wimborne Primary School, September 2022

“I just wanted to write and say thank you so much for a really great day on Thursday. The children from Pompey Military Kids, and Rachel and I loved it. A truly unique, safe and enjoyable experience”

“
AmeliaTeacher, Lord Nelson School, October 2022

“After we had all had a wet and windy but great time (and moored up for lunch), we made our return to port, back on the ferry and returned to school, wet and windswept but elated and pleasantly tired. A fantastic day!! Thank you Boleh”

“
TeacherLord Nelson School, October 2022

“just wanted to send an email to thank you all so much for the wonderful day we had on Boleh yesterday. The students that attended smiled all day and all said the day was amazing. Please pass on our thanks to the whole team”

“
Dawn IngramDirector of Fundraising, RN&RM Charity, August 2022

“The boat is magnificent and I can see the benefits Boleh provides to our beneficiary groups, giving them a ‘can do’ attitude and the confidence boost they may need.”

“
Students from Service familiesBrune Park Community School, October 2022

“It was really good”; “Really liked it”; “The other students were chill!”

“
Linda PearceCharity Prize Sail winner, August 2022

“Fantastic day during our holiday! We had the most amazing time, stepping out of our comfort zone and being well looked after by an incredible crew who are a credit to the Trust – we will be back!””

“
Tony WestDirector, Military Mentors, June 2022

“The whole Boleh experience is fun, exciting, interactive, educational and memorable, with an excellent level of instruction. We are so lucky to have access to such a fantastic vessel”

“
Steven MoattTrustee, Chesil Sailing Trust, June 2023

“Just wanted to say thanks for the opportunity to sail on Boleh. A fantastic boat, very interesting history and I can see the valued experience it offers young people.”

“
Niki AndrewsSenior Wiltshire Young Carers Service Co-ordinator, August 2023

“The young people had a wonderful time. Thank you for making this amazing opportunity an experience that I am sure they will never forget”

News and Events

Read up on our news and events and see what Boleh has been up to!

Donate

Please help Boleh

All donations to the Boleh Trust are gratefully received and will be used to support Boleh

and help inspire young people facing challenge in their lives.

Donate

Volunteer

Please help Boleh

Want to get involved and volunteer?

From Skippers to Open Day Stewards, there are lots of ways to get involved – we would love to hear from you!

Learn More

Our supporters

The Army Central Fund
The Nuffield Trust
St. James's Place