We are thrilled to celebrate a historic new chapter for our fleet! On 4th June 2026, during our landmark 70th anniversary year, Challenger 5 was officially launched and named by HRH The Princess Royal at Gunwharf Quays Marina. Serving as our newest “floating classroom,” this incredible 72ft ocean-going yacht provides a vital expansion to our sea-going capacity, enabling us to reach an additional 300+ young people nationwide every single year.
By safeguarding this vital maritime asset, we are proud to ensure its life-changing outdoor learning mission continues to break down barriers and empower young people for decades to come.
“Built to race twice round the world the “wrong way” against the world’s prevailing winds, Challenger 5 carries an extraordinary ocean-racing heritage.”
Previously known as Challenge Wales, the yacht built a prestigious legacy as a dedicated sail training vessel, notably serving as the official Welsh sailing yacht in the 2012 Queen’s Jubilee Pageant. Following the closure of the Penarth-based charity, Tall Ships Youth Trust stepped in to safeguard this vital maritime asset and protect its youth development mission.
Supported by cornerstone funding from The Worshipful Company of Shipwrights and The Gosling Foundation, Challenger 5 has undergone a complete refit to join our fleet. She permanently carries her funders’ names on her hull and mesh stay sail as she begins an exciting new era of service for generations to come.
Through our structured three-voyage programme of Exploration, Empowerment, and Leadership, like all our vessels, Challenger 5 will give young people the vital confidence, resilience, and teamwork skills they need to set a new course for their future. Operating as a unique “floating classroom,” she provides an immersive environment where young people step outside their comfort zones, take on real responsibilities, and discover what they are truly capable of.
With Challenger 5 now fully commissioned into our nationwide network of regional hubs, she is ready to welcome her next crew of young sailors onboard. Whether they are hoisting sails or navigating as a team, every voyage is an opportunity for personal growth that lasts a lifetime.
In 2025/26, we held 106 youth voyages and provided financial support to 85% of the 1,224 young people who sailed with us. Every young person deserves the chance to experience the life-changing impact of a voyage, regardless of their background or financial circumstances. As we celebrate our 70th anniversary and expand our fleet with Challenger 5, your support is more vital than ever in helping us break down barriers and reach those who need it most.
We are very proud to have our landmark event and Challenger 5 featured by our local newspaper - The News (Portsmouth)!
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