Dave Willoughby, popularly known as Disco Dave, is stepping down from offshore volunteering after sailing as a Watch Leader and Mate for over a decade with Tall Ships Youth Trust (TSYT). Dave has been a dedicated supporter of the Trust and has positively impacted the lives of hundreds of young people. His positive energy and passion for music will be missed during voyages, but he plans to continue supporting TSYT through events onshore.

Dave’s volunteering journey

When Dave semi-retired from the Merchant Navy in 2013, he began his volunteering journey with TSYT, starting as Third Mate on board the 60-meter brig Stavros S. Niarchos. He recalls, “I remember a dark night, sailing up towards Brixham. Quietly sailing with square sails rigged and the lights of Torquay up ahead of us. Quite special!”

In 2008, TSYT introduced 72ft Challenger yachts to its fleet. Dave said, “I heard about the Challenger yachts and decided they would be good for me. After some familiarisation I sailed as Watch Leader, leading a team of voyage crew in handling the boat, the sails, and the rigging, and working to keep everything shipshape.”

Watch Leaders are a vital part of delivering TSYT’s three-voyage programme of Exploration, Empowerment and Leadership, and act as positive role models for young people to develop and realise their potential. Dave noted how many young individuals learned to manage their emotions and developed a more positive attitude within just a day or two. “It was as if they could see the pleasure the others got from working together,” Dave said. “They wanted some of that and decided to join in. Most often by the time Friday came around, they were all working as a team above deck and behaving like one big happy family below deck.” “It was a joy to see and very satisfying for me to be helping to facilitate their experience.”

One fond memory Dave recalled was helping a young girl learn basic knots: “The girl was shy and quiet, and rather on the edge of the group. However, soon after learning the first knot she came back to me for another, and another, and another. This was clearly something she had a flare for and after a few more days she was able to tie nine or ten different knots! She was ‘Queen of the Knots’ and her self-esteem was noticeably raised.”

Dave has now retired from volunteering on the water but will continue volunteering onshore with TSYT, assisting with events and maintenance of their boats. Recognising the importance of the Trust’s work, he said, “Young people learn so many life skills when they sail with Tall Ships Youth Trust. Skills which they take on into adult life.”

John Farndell, Head of Operations, shared, “Dave’s time at sea with us is encapsulated by his ever-cheerful smiling presence and positive outlook.”

“Dave has been on the water with us for more years than I can mention, but this includes over a decade on the Challengers. During this time Dave has developed countless young people, numerous Watch Leaders as well as adult crews and has supported many Skippers along the way. Dave generously shared his experience and positive outlook with all he sailed with.

“So, thank you Dave for your invaluable contribution at sea, and also for your continuing support from the shore.”

None of the work we do with young people would be possible without the enthusiasm, energy and support of our volunteers. If you have been inspired by Dave’s story and want to find out how you can get involved, read more on volunteering with TSYT.