On the Shipyard Estate in Brightlingsea, Essex, the Trust has maintained its boat building ethos by developing a specialist training facility where young apprentices can learn new skills in boat building and the values needed to gain future employment. Along with a base for Pioneer during the winter months, it also provides a quay and fuel barge facility for working vessels.

Initially funded by the East of England development Agency and Essex County Council, Harker’s Yard is a purpose built training facility for young people wishing to enter the marine industry. Their skills are built and honed upon actual restoration and other boatbuilding projects carried out in a proper working environment. Harker’s Yard is playing a vital part in passing down by hand and eye these essential skills to the next generation. The continued production of the cold moulded wooden East Coast rowing gigs is but one success story.
Apprentices are also encouraged to row in the Trust’s own rowing gig, Matchless, and crew on Pioneer, enabling a rounded experience, which develops a greater understanding of the craft and industry they are learning and absorbing. Additional income for the Pioneer Sailing Trust is also obtained by way of the yard’s pontoons and fuel barge. Harker’s Yard, remembering the name of a founder is also trusteePioneer’s winter berth making her easily accessible to work on and maintain