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Price

£710

Nights

Four

Age range

16-65

Start port

Portsmouth

End port

Portsmouth

Passport

Yes

Voyage code

CF847

Bursary

Available

Voyage highlights

Join the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) offshore race fleet and compete in the Cervantes Trophy cross channel race.
Experience offshore racing, navigation and watchkeeping.
Race aboard our 72ft Challenger yacht alongside an experienced professional crew, with two Challengers entered and actively competing against each other.
Develop confidence, leadership, and offshore skills on a challenging multi-day passage. The race lasts approximately 24–36 hours, followed by the return leg from Le Havre, making the entire cross-channel passage a two-day experience.

This intermediate Racing Pathway voyage kicks off TSYT’s RORC race participation in 2026 with the Cervantes Trophy Race from The Solent to Le Havre. Starting from the Royal Yacht Squadron line in Cowes, the fleet races west out of the Solent before crossing the English Channel via navigation marks, heading for Le Havre, France, with an expected race duration of approximately 24–36 hours 

After crossing the finish line just outside the marked channel into Le Havre, the yachts will turn back and return to Portsmouth. 

This voyage offers an exciting offshore racing experience and is suitable for young people and adults with previous Challenger sailing experience who are ready to progress into offshore racing, as well as experienced round the cans racers keen to experience offshore racing. 

All crew must hold a valid passport in case of international port entry. 

Is this voyage for you?
  • Young people with previous Challenger sailing experience. 
  • Adult crew with Challenger sailing experience or significant yacht racing experience. 
  • Confident individuals with smaller yacht racing experience. 
  • Those who are comfortable working long watches, sailing overnight, and living aboard at sea. 

Prior sailing experience is mandatory for this voyage. 

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions. 

Possible Voyage Itinerary

Subject to weather, fleet movements, and RORC schedule 

Day 1 Join vessel, safety briefings, offshore preparation, watch allocation, and departure.
Day 2 Offshore passage following the RORC fleet. Watch rotations, night sailing, navigation, sail handling, and seamanship training.
Final Day Approach to the finish area, debrief, and return passage. Final clean-down, reflections, and departure. 

Takeaways from your sailing adventure

Offshore competence. Mental resilience. Leadership. Confidence. 

This voyage will immerse you in a true offshore sailing environment, where decision-making, teamwork, and stamina matter just as much as technical sailing skill. 

You will: 

  • Learn how offshore watch systems operate 
  • Develop advanced sail handling skills 
  • Gain experience helming in open-water conditions 
  • Build confidence in night sailing and navigation 
  • Improve ropework, deck operations, and onboard safety awareness 

You will live and work as part of a professional crew, taking responsibility for all aspects of life onboard from sailing and navigation to cooking, cleaning, and teamwork under the guidance of our highly trained TSYT staff. 

Financial Support and 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 young people who have faced, or are facing, personal challenges. Please check our bursary guidance to apply. 

Flexible Booking Options:
• Book your place with a 30% deposit
• The remaining balance is due 8 weeks before departure
• Need more flexibility? Our Reservations Team can help set up a tailored payment plan 

Further Information

The final route, timings, and any port stops will be determined by the Skipper based on weather conditions, safety considerations, and RORC fleet movements. 

All crew must hold a valid passport for this voyage. 

All meals on board are included. 

Your Skipper may recommend you for our Volunteer Crew Training Programme if they feel you demonstrate the right skills, attitude, and commitment. Speak to your crew onboard if you would like to learn more. 

TS Challenger Current Navy 1

Vessel:

Challenger

Vessel Details

handbook challenger

Handbook:

Challenger Handbook

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Book this voyage

£710