We are pleased to share that Challenge Wales sail training vessel will transfer into the ownership of Tall Ships Youth Trust (TSYT) enabling sail training to continue and develop in Wales.

To learn more, read the Joint Statement by Challenge Wales and Tall Ships Youth Trust

Joint Statement by Challenge Wales and Tall Ships Youth Trust

General Questions for Challenge Wales (CW) & Tall Ships Youth Trust (TSYT) Stakeholders 

Question: Why has Challenge Wales decided to close? 

This was an incredibly difficult decision, taken only after deep reflection by the Trustees. While the last 6 months have been our most successful period of grant fundraising in recent memory, it wasn’t enough to offset rising costs of maintaining a steel-hulled vessel, the increasing uncertainty of grant funding, and the pressures of crewing and running a small charity. We chose to act now, to safeguard the vessel and ensure that young people from Wales can continue to benefit from her for decades to come. 

Question: Was this mainly a financial problem? 

As with many small charities, financial sustainability can be a challenge. But this is also about legacy and responsibility. Running a vessel like Challenge Wales is a huge undertaking, and the Trustees felt a duty to make a proactive, positive decision that protects the boat and the opportunities it offers. 

Question: What will happen to the staff and volunteers? 

Sadly, staff contracts will come to an end as the charity close. But volunteers remain central to the legacy. As such, TSYT is keen to work with existing Challenge Wales volunteers to keep their skills and passion at the heart of its youth development programme. Information on how this process will work for CW volunteers, mates and skippers will be provided. 

Question: What is the purpose of transferring Challenge Wales’ vessel to the ownership of TSYT? 

The transition will ensure the long-term future of the vessel and the life-changing opportunities it provides for young people, not only in Wales, but across the UK. 

Question: What is the need for a fifth Challenger, when TSYT already has four Challenger yachts? 

Demand for TSYT’s voyages is outstripping our sea-going capacity. Due to a lack of sea-going capacity, in 2023 we were sadly unable to support 120 young people through our voyages. In 2024 that number rose to 200. The addition of a fifth Challenger will help address this and provide a solid platform for growth.  

Question: What opportunities does this create for TSYT to grow its reach and impact? 

The addition of the vessel to the existing fleet will increase TSYT’s ability to deliver its three-voyage programme of Exploration, Empowerment and Leadership to more young people each year. It will also enable TSYT to expand its work in Wales via the development of a regional hub. 

Question: Why was TSYT chosen to take over ownership of the Challenge Wales vessel? 

TSYT is the UK’s oldest sail training charity, with almost 70 years of experience in transforming young lives. They already successfully operate four Challenger yachts and are well placed to ensure that Challenge Wales’s legacy will continue to change lives — not just in Wales, but across the UK. Importantly, Wales is one of TSYT’s regional hubs, meaning they will voyage from Wales for part of the year, so the vessel’s impact in Wales will very much continue. 

Question: How exactly will the transfer take place (timeline, vessel handover, start of voyage programme) – What is the plan? 

The formal transfer will take place on 1st October 2025. After that, the vessel will be integrated into the TSYT fleet and renamed Challenger 5. It will return to Wales in 2026 to deliver youth development voyages from the Welsh hub. In the meantime, both charities are working closely to ensure a smooth transition with clear communication for supporters, volunteers, and beneficiaries. 

Question: Will the boat still be based in Wales? 

She will join the wider TSYT fleet as Challenger 5, in 2026, she will continue to operate from Wales for part of the year as part of TSYT’s network of regional hubs.  

Question: How will the vessel’s name and identity change, will it still carry a “Wales” connection? 

The vessel will become Challenger 5, to align with TSYT’s existing fleet. At the same time, the TSYT team committed to celebrating and protecting her Welsh roots. Wales will remain a key regional hub within TSYT, and this connection will be reflected through the programme we deliver, the partnerships we maintain, the volunteers who support us, and our wider engagement with the community. The boat will also carry branding (including the Welsh Dragon on its stern ) to honour the legacy of Challenge Wales. 

Question: What will happen to donations made to Challenge Wales? 

Donations already given will have been used in line with our charitable objectives, i.e supporting young people from Wales. Going forward, donors can choose to continue supporting youth development work in Wales specifically, through TSYT. 

For Offshore Volunteers with TSYT 

Question: As someone who currently volunteers for TSYT, will there be any changes to the existing process with the addition of this vessel? 

No, continue to engage with our expanding UK programme. 

Question: Will volunteers get the chance to sail Challenger 5 in Wales, or across the wider UK? 

Answer: Both.  

Question: Will TSYT create a new Wales-based volunteer pool, and how will existing volunteers integrate with them?  

TSYT values the work of our volunteers immensely – without our volunteers, none of what we do would be possible. We are always keen to welcome new volunteers and very much look forward to welcoming volunteers from Challenge Wales into the TSYT community. 

For Volunteers with CW 

Question: As a Challenge Wales volunteer, can I continue to support sailing for young people after the vessel transitions to TSYT? 

Absolutely. Volunteers are the heartbeat of both Challenge Wales and TSYT. There will be opportunities to continue crewing Challenger 5, or on any of TSYT’s other vessels. For further information, please contact info@tallships.org.  

Question: Will volunteering remain Wales-based, or will I need to travel to other hubs? 

There will be opportunities for both. 

Question: How will my training, and safeguarding requirements change? 

Volunteers will need to complete TSYT’s safeguarding and induction processes, but your existing experience and training will be recognised. TSYT will provide clear guidance and support during this process. 

Question: Who will coordinate the volunteer pathway with TSYT during the transition and how can I make contact? 

The volunteer pathways will be shared to make the process as smooth as possible as soon as possible. 

Beneficiaries (Young People, Schools, Community Groups) 

Question: Will voyages still depart from Wales, or will we need to travel further away? 

There will be voyages departing from Wales during the year, as well as other locations throughout the UK, including Plymouth and Portsmouth.  

Question: What are the plans for sailing in Wales when Challenger 5 is commissioned? 

The voyage programme will be published as soon as possible. The intention is to operate from Wales for periods of the year as part of the wider TSYT youth development programme, aligning all voyages to TSYT’s three-voyage model.  

Question: How will existing relationships with schools, youth groups, and partners in Wales be maintained under TSYT? 

TSYT is committed to maintaining and building on the strong partnerships created by Challenge Wales to ensure continuity and growth.  

Question: Will there still be bursaries and financial support for young people facing disadvantages in and around Wales? 

Yes, TSYT works hard to fundraise to provide a bursary scheme to ensure they are able to provide financial support to any young person facing disadvantage, or who requires it to join a voyage.  

Question: Will the types of voyages that Challenge Wales ran (day sails, residential trips, educational focus) change once the vessel becomes Challenger 5? 

Challenger 5 will be embedded within TSYT’s three-voyage programme, offering a structured pathway for the development of young people.  

Question: Will Challenger 5 increase availability of voyages for young people outside Wales too? 

Yes. She will increase TSYT’s overall capacity so more young people across the UK will benefit. 

Question: How soon can we book a voyage under TSYT? 

The voyage programme for Challenger 5 will be published as soon as possible, please keep an eye on our social media pages and website for further updates. In the meantime, TSYT continues to run voyages on its existing fleet throughout the year, and these can be booked now.  

Question: Will the familiar crew, mentors, and volunteers still be involved? 

TSYT is looking forward to welcoming as many Challenge Wales volunteers who wish to continue their support. Therefore, we hope that regular Challenge Wales voyagers will see some familiar faces, alongside lots of new ones.  

Question: What assurances are there that the vessel and youth focus in Wales won’t be lost? 

TSYT’s current strategy focuses on increasing our reach throughout the UK via the establishment of regional hubs. South Wales had already been identified as one such hub, and so TSYT is committed to running voyages from Wales for part of the year as part of this. The transition of the vessel will support this work and will ensure the vessel and its mission is extended, not lost.