History
We’ve been very busy over the past 55 years but here are some of the highlights…
1950s
It all began! The Tall Ships Youth Trust (then called The Sail Training Association) was founded to run Tall Ships’ races.
1966
Sir Winston Churchill, a 37 metre schooner, was launched after a group of young people sailed across the Atlantic in a Tall Ships’ Race and were determined that Great Britain should have her own Tall Ship.
1968
Sir Winston Churchill’s Sister ship Malcolm Miller was launched.
The In-between Years
The two Schooners gave thousands of people, young and not so young the experience of a lifetime and attracted admiring gazes in ports near and far.
March 2000
Malcolm Miller pays off after final voyage.
April 2000
Celebrations as new 60m square rigged Brig Stavros S Niarchos was named.
December 2000
Fond farewells as Sir Winston Churchill completed her final voyage.
April 2001
The long and valuable service of both Schooners is commemorated at a huge “Farewell to Schooners” Party. The second Brig’s name was announced on St. George’s Day as she sailed up the Thames. Prince William arrives in London for her first reception.
2003
At an EGM on 1 August 2003, Members of the Sail Training Association voted overwhelmingly to adopt a new name for the charity – Tall Ships Youth Trust. It was felt that the new name would better describe the charity’s work to external audiences and help the Trustees to raise more charitable funds as a result.
2008
To diversify and expand our work with young people, attract a new audience and improve financial stability, the Trust decided to sell Prince William and buy four 22m round the world yachts – the Challenger Fleet.
2009
A very generous benefactor donates the Tall Ships Cat, a 62ft Catamaran, to the Trust. This enables the Trust to reduce its lower age limit to 12 years old and offer more opportunities for disabled young people and adults to come sailing.
Today
The aims of the charity remain the same today as they always have – to enable the personal development of young people through the crewing of ocean-going vessels. The Trust’s fleet, Stavros S Niarchos, the Challenger Fleet and the Tall Ships Cat sail all year round and there is a broad choice of voyages available to anyone aged 12-80. From day sails to long weekends and two week voyages, there’s something for everyone.
