National youth development and outdoor learning charity, Tall Ships Youth Trust (TSYT), has officially launched the latest addition to its iconic fleet, Challenger 5, during a very special naming ceremony hosted by HRH The Princess Royal at Gunwharf Quays Marina on 4^th June.

The official commissioning of the 72ft steel-hulled yacht marks a significant milestone for TSYT, coinciding with the charity’s landmark 70th anniversary year. Serving as a unique “floating classroom”, Challenger 5 provides a vital expansion to TSYT’s sea-going capacity, enabling the charity to increase its reach and unlock the potential of over 300 additional young people nationwide every single year.

The vessel – formerly known as Challenge Wales – was transferred to TSYT following the closure of the Penarth-based charity. By integrating the vessel into its fleet, TSYT has safeguarded a vital maritime asset, ensuring its life-changing outdoor learning mission continues across both Wales and the wider UK for decades to come.

During the ceremony, HRH The Princess Royal officially named the vessel and met with the charity’s sea-going crew, volunteers, supporters, trustees, and young beneficiaries from Youth Action Wiltshire. To honour the vessel’s heritage, young people from Solace Partnerships also hoisted a branded forestay banner featuring the Welsh Dragon as the ship was formally welcomed into service.

This strategic expansion is also an important step in TSYT’s S.O.S (Safety, Operability, and Sustainability) campaign – a major fleet refit plan designed to modernise onboard living conditions and ensure the vessels remain safe, operational, and sustainable for future generations.

The acquisition and refit of Challenger 5 was made possible thanks to the Worshipful Company of Shipwrights and The Gosling Foundation. To recognise this vital partnership, Challenger 5 proudly carries the names of both supporters permanently on her hull.

Alastair Floyd, CEO of Tall Ships Youth Trust, said: “We are incredibly honoured to have HRH The Princess Royal officially launch Challenger 5 today, especially as we celebrate our landmark 70th anniversary year. This vessel represents an exciting new era of growth for the Trust. Operating as a unique platform for learning at sea, Challenger 5 will allow us to bring our innovative three-voyage programme of Exploration, Empowerment, and Leadership to over 300 more young people each year.

“We are immensely grateful to The Worshipful Company of Shipwrights and The Gosling Foundation for safeguarding this vessel’s legacy and partnering with us to expand life-changing learning opportunities at sea.”

Challenger 5 is now fully commissioned to begin her youth development voyage rotation, operating as part of TSYT’s nationwide network of regional hubs.

📷 Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visit to Tall Ships Youth Trust at Gunwharf Quays Marina, Portsmouth, on Thursday 4th June 2026 / Chris Jackson