Price
£670
Nights
Four
Age range
16-25
Start port
Belfast
End port
Belfast
DofE
Yes
RYA
Start Yachting
Voyage code
CF861
Bursary
Available
Voyage highlights
Join us for an incredible four-night adventure from Belfast Harbour aboard our iconic 72ft Challenger yacht. This immersive, hands-on experience is your first step on a personal growth journey with Tall Ships Youth Trust (TSYT).
On this Voyage of Exploration, you will sail from Belfast and back, step out of your comfort zone, engage with other young people like you and dive into ocean exploration, all guided by our amazing and supportive TSYT crew.
No previous sailing experience? No worries! This voyage is an ideal starter for you to learn the basics and get familiar with sailing a yacht. It is the first stage of our exciting three-voyage programme of Exploration, Empowerment, and Leadership.
During your time at sea, you will have the opportunity to learn new skills, build confidence and self-esteem, and develop your social and communication skills.
In addition, you can use this voyage to achieve the residential section of your Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Gold Award and earn your RYA Start Yachting certificate, the first step on your sailing qualifications journey.
Possible stops include the seaside town of Bangor or picturesque anchorages off the Copeland Islands or Larne.
Depending on the weather, you could head south and explore Strangford Loch, go east towards the Isle of Man or head north to explore the southwest coast of Scotland.
New skills. Increased confidence. New friendships. Lifelong memories.
Throughout the week, you’ll build experience in the fundamentals of sailing, including steering, sail handling, ropework and onboard safety. You may also get to do some night sailing if conditions permit.
We divide the crew into two teams (watches) – traditionally, known as Port and Starboard. In your watches, you’ll take turns to be involved in all aspects of sailing the Challenger, from deck duties to cooking and cleaning.
Each crew member will receive a personal assessment covering their leadership, teamwork and communication skills – a great addition to your CV.
You’ll hopefully get the chance to complete the RYA Start Yachting course while you’re on board.
The RYA Start Yachting syllabus includes:
- Sea terms and parts of a boat, rigging and sails
- Sail handling
- Ropework
- Personal safety equipment
- Man overboard recovery
- Clothing and emergency equipment
- ‘Rules of the road’ (at sea)
The cost of your RYA Start Yachting certificate is included in the price.
RYA logbooks are available for purchase on board at a cost of £6 (Skippers are only able to take cash for this).
All our voyages of four nights or more qualify for the DofE Gold Residential award.
Please let our Reservations Team know before sailing if you want to use the voyage for this.
We believe every young person should have the chance to experience a life-changing voyage and realise their potential.
Bursaries Available: We have funding available to support a young person who has faced, or is facing, personal challenges (For example: this could be a learning barrier, caring responsibilities or a young person currently not in education etc.). Check out our bursary guidance and apply if you need to!
Flexible Booking Options:
- Book your place with just a 30% deposit
- The remaining balance is due 8 weeks before your voyage
- Need more flexibility? We can set up a payment plan to suit your needs—just contact us for details.
The Skipper will determine the final route depending on weather and other variables.
If you share our values and are keen to do more, you may be able to support our vital work by joining the TSYT Volunteer Crew. Your Skipper can recommend you for our volunteer crew training programme, if they feel you have the skills and attributes that we’re looking for. You can speak to your TSYT crew if this is something you’d be interested in and you’d like to find out more.
All meals on board are included.
