Price
£670
Nights
Four
Age range
16-25
Start port
Portsmouth
End port
Portsmouth
DofE
Yes
RYA
Start Yachting
Voyage code
EV085
Bursary
Available
Voyage highlights
Your Journey Begins Here
Step aboard an iconic 72ft Challenger yacht and set sail on a four-night Exploration Voyage along the beautiful South Coast.
On this voyage, you will have an experience that goes far beyond just sailing.
You’ll learn the ropes of life at sea, take on real responsibilities as part of a close-knit crew, and develop confidence, self-esteem, and resourcefulness as you explore the ocean environment and spend some time ashore.
Along the way, you’ll get to know your fellow crew members. Living and working on the boat together, you’ll embrace new experiences, support one another, form positive friendships, and create memories that will stay with you for a lifetime.
Also, your time on this voyage will help you develop essential life skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities – skills that will equip you in every area of your life.
Whether this is your first time on a big boat or you’ve never sailed before, this voyage is designed for you. No prior sailing experience is required. Our voyage of Exploration is the first stage of our three-voyage journey of Exploration, Empowerment, and Leadership, setting the foundation for personal growth and development.
As you grow and soak up the experience, you’ll have the opportunity to complete the residential section of your Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award and earn your RYA Start Yachting certificate.
You’ll sail through the Solent and then along the stunning south coast. Be sure to have your camera to hand, as you may spot dolphins and seals along the way.
Likely stopovers include Cowes, Poole and Weymouth, with plenty of time to explore ashore.
New skills. Increased confidence and self-esteem. New friendships.
Throughout the week, you’ll experience helming 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 it in 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 leadership, teamwork and communication skills, a great addition to your CV.
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).
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 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.
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.
