A SAILING vessel used to help disadvantaged and vulnerable children is back in the water after undergoing a £400,000 revamp.

Prolific, which is the Ocean Youth Trust South’s new sailing training vessel, was returned to the sea after spending 12 months out of the water having major works done on her at Saxon Wharf.

Now she is back in the water the finishing touches will added, this will include a new mast and sails.

Ocean Youth Trust South helps young people between 12 and 25-years-old, many of which are disadvantaged or vulnerable, to develop the skills they need to succeed in life, improving their confidence, team-work, communication, resilience and ability to cope with unfamiliar experiences.

The trust bought Prolific from Norway in 2015 as a long-term replacement for its previous boat, John Laing, which had loyally served thousands of young people for 26 years, with the Ocean Youth Club and Ocean Youth Trust South. Prolific is expected to be able to serve the trust for the next 30 years.

Before her refit Prolific, which was built in 2005, was a hybrid of modern-day construction with a historic design based on 19th century herring fishing vessels, offering modern accommodation and a low-maintenance design.

The new boat will now spend the winter undergoing a number of sea trials and staff and volunteer training.

She will then be used for a programme of youth voyages from April to November, embarking on expeditions to the Baltic, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Lithuania and Poland.

She will also be taking part in some tall ship races and festivals.

Mark Todd, the trust’s chief executive, said there had been huge enthusiasm among the young people, a part of schools, charities and youth groups, wanting to start sailing with them.

He added: “Bookings now are busier than they have ever been and we are delighted that our decision to buy Prolific has created such a sense of excitement about her potential to make a lasting difference to young lives.

“We could never have reached this point without the invaluable help of a number of major sponsors… We are enormously grateful."

The refit was made possible thanks to the support of major sponsors including International Paint – responsible for her beautiful paintwork, Marina Developments Limited – which fundraised to help cover the purchase of the boat and Sail specialist Andy Cassell from Ratsey and Lapthorn (Cowes) Ltd as well as members of the Owen Clarke Design team.

Other major sponsors included BSI A/S, Holman Fenwick Willan LLP and Spinlock.