Price
£715
Nights
Five
Age range
14-25
Start port
Portsmouth
End port
Portsmouth
DofE
Yes
RYA
Competent crew
Voyage code
CF869
Bursary
Available
Voyage highlights
Set sail on a six-day Empowerment voyage along England’s south coast, starting and finishing at the bustling waterfront city of Portsmouth, at Gunwharf Quays Marina.
On board one of our iconic 72ft Challenger yachts, you’ll navigate a more challenging itinerary, work as part of a close-knit crew, contribute to decisions, take on greater responsibility during your voyage.
As you explore the south coast of England, you’ll be able to spend time reflecting on your aspirations, set meaningful goals towards them, and develop tangible life and employability skills, which will support you on your journey into adulthood.
An Empowerment Voyage is the second stage of TSYT’s three-voyage programme of Exploration, Empowerment, and Leadership. It is suitable for young people with previous sailing or alternative active/residential outdoor learning experience.
It offers a structured youth development environment designed to help young people develop resilience, a positive attitude toward challenge, stronger teamwork skills, and a deeper understanding of how they function within a team.
Along the way, you can complete the residential for your DofE Gold Award and work to achieve your RYA Competent Crew certificate on board.
You’ll sail through the Solent and then along the stunning south coast. You may spot dolphins, seals and fin whales along the way.
Likely stopovers include Cowes or Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight, and Lymington, Poole or Weymouth along the coast.
Bring something to record your ideas and reflections in (this can be a digital device) and be prepared to get involved in co-creating an ocean-based sustainability project to build your awareness and skills around taking action to protect our ocean environment.
Resilience. Overcoming challenges. Sense of achievement. Teamwork.
Over the course of your voyage, you’ll learn about and practice sailing essentials including steering the yacht as well as sail handling, ropework and how to keep safe on board. 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 and living on a Challenger yacht, from deck duties to cooking and cleaning.
This voyage is a great opportunity to push your boundaries, learn about yourself and escape from it all with time for quiet reflection and the opportunity to widen your sailing experience in a challenging environment.
Each crew member will receive a personal assessment covering their teamwork and communication skills.
You’ll get the chance to complete the RYA Competent Crew course while you’re on board.
The RYA Competent Crew syllabus includes:
- Sea terms and parts of a boat, rigging and sails
- Sail handling
- Ropework
- Fire safety and precautions
- Personal safety equipment
- Man overboard
- Emergency equipment
- Manners and customs
- Rules of the ‘road’ (at sea)
- Dinghies
The cost of your RYA Competent Crew 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 residential section of the DofE Gold Award.
Please let our Reservations Team know before sailing if you want to use the voyage for this.
We believe everyone 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.
Your Skipper can also 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.
