WCT was formed in 2007 with a generous grant from the Lister Charitable Trust created by Noel Lister, the founder of MFI.  The charity has a clear objective to enhance the lives of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds though the medium of outdoor activities, especially sailing.  This objective is achieved by providing grants to a wide variety of organisations who, in turn, provide services to young people.

Latterly the Trustees have sought to extend the range of WCT with the addition of grants to organisations working to protect the marine environment.  Further extensions into other areas are possible at the discretion of the Trustees.