Price
£295
Nights
Two
Age range
12-15
Start port
Belfast
End port
Belfast
RYA
Start Yachting
Voyage code
EV080
Bursary
Available
Voyage highlights
Ever wondered what it’s like to experience life at sea?
Our Belfast 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, the voyage offers a fully immersive and hands-on personal development 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.
Strangford Lough: A beautiful inlet near Belfast, perfect for a shorter sail with opportunities for wildlife spotting and exploring quaint villages
Bangor: A coastal town close to Belfast, offering lovely marinas, parks, and historical sites
Douglas, Isle of Man: Capital of the Isle of Man
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.
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).
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.
