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Price

£375

Nights

Three

Age range

12-15

Start port

Portsmouth 

End port

Portsmouth

RYA

Start Yachting

Voyage code

CF867

Bursary

Available

Voyage highlights

Ideal starter voyage to explore the Solent aboard a 72ft Challenger yacht
Learn basic sailing, teamwork, and problem-solving skills appropriate for 12–15-year-olds
Enjoy exciting, hands-on adventures, make new friends, and experience life at sea
No prior sailing experience needed

Ever wondered what it’s like to experience life at sea?

Our Solent Exploration Voyage offers 12–15-year-olds the chance to step out of their everyday environment and take part in an adventure they’ll never forget. On board our iconic 72ft Challenger yacht, they’ll learn the basics of sailing while developing essential life skills.

This isn’t just a sailing trip away from familiar grounds, it’s a structured experience where young people are encouraged to challenge themselves, work as part of a team, develop communication skills, and make new friends.

Yes, this voyage offers a fully immersive and hands-on experience, as well as unforgettable moments at sea.

On their adventure, our young voyagers can also work toward their RYA Start Yachting certificate, the first step on their yacht sailing qualifications journey.

By the end of the voyage, young people will have new skills, lasting memories, and stories to share.

To join a TSYT ‘Voyage of Exploration’ you do not require any prior sailing experience as this is the first stage of our three-voyage programme of Exploration, Empowerment and Leadership.

Places you’ll visit

Leaving Portsmouth, you’ll sail through the Solent, with possible stops in Cowes, Yarmouth or Lymington. Keep an eye out for the sea life (like Dolphins) along the way! 

Takeaways from your sailing adventure

Increased confidence and self-esteem. New friendships. New skills.

Throughout the voyage, you’ll experience steering a yacht, sail handling, ropework as well as learning how to keep safe onboard.  If conditions permit, you’ll also get to do some night sailing too

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 and maintenance to cooking and cleaning.

Each crew member will receive a personal assessment covering their teamwork and communication skills.

Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Certificate

You’ll 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).   

Financial Support & Payment Plans

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. 
Further information

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. 

TS Challenger Current Navy 1

Vessel:

Challenger

Vessel Details

handbook challenger

Handbook:

Challenger Handbook

Download

Book this voyage

£375