Price
£285
Nights
Two
Age range
14-25
Start port
Portsmouth
End port
Portsmouth
Voyage code
EV097
Bursary
Available
Voyage highlights
This two-night voyage, culminating in the annual ASTO Small Ships Race, is a powerful step forward for young sailors who want to develop their ocean racing skillset and experience!
The ASTO Small Ships race in the Solent is extremely popular in the Sail Training world, known for its intensity, fast-paced action, tactical sailing, and the buzzing crew party at the end of race day in Cowes.
On this voyage, you’ll join in on a competitive high-energy event that brings together over 200 young people from across the country to test their skills, resilience, and teamwork under pressure.
You’ll be racing aboard our iconic 72ft Challenger yacht, going head-to-head with youth crews from up to 19 UK sail training organisations, with around 20 boats on the start line. Expect pressure, pace, and moments you’ll remember long after the finish.
It’s an opportunity to grow confidence, resilience, and leadership – all while racing in one of the UK’s most exciting youth sailing events.
Is this voyage for you?
This is an intermediate-level racing voyage and is only suitable for:
- Confident dinghy sailors or small-boat racers ready to develop their skills to a larger racing yacht
- Young people aged 14–25 who have sailed with TSYT before and/or are on the Ocean Racing Pathway
Day 1 (Friday) – Joining at 10am, pre-race prep, and additional briefing.
Day 2 (Saturday) – Race Day! Take on the ASTO Small Ships Race, finish strong in Cowes, then celebrate in style at the epic crew party.
Day 3 (Sunday)– Final sail back to Portsmouth for pack away, clean throughs, debrief, and next steps.
Race-winning skills. Resilience. Decision-making abilities. Lasting memories.
Over three days, you’ll build on your sailing experience and gain some advanced sailing skills.
You’ll train and race in a fast-paced racing environment designed for young sailors ready to push further. An environment that demands focus, resilience and fast decision making – the same skills used by experienced offshore and ocean racers around the world.
You get opportunities to helm the yacht, as well as building proficiency in sail handling, ropework, passage planning and onboard safety.
In your watches, you’ll take responsibility for all aspects of sailing the Challenger, from deck duties to cooking and cleaning, under the expert guidance of the TSYT Crew.
Each crew member will receive a personal assessment covering their leadership, teamwork and communication skills – a great addition to your CV!
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 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. For details, please contact our Reservations Team.
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.
