Price
£770
Nights
Five
Age range
14-25
Start port
Plymouth
End port
Portsmouth
DofE
Yes
RYA
Competent Crew
Voyage code
EV072
Bursary
Available
Voyage highlights
Set sail on an exciting six-day offshore sailing experience that takes you from Plymouth to the Solent, culminating in the annual ASTO Small Ships Race — one of the UK’s most thrilling youth sailing events. This is a competitive high-energy event that brings together over 200 young people from across the country to test their skills, resilience, and teamwork under pressure.
This “round-the-cans” race in the Solent is extremely popular in the Sail Training world, known for its intensity, fast-paced action, tactical sailing, and the buzzing crew party at the end of race day in Cowes.
You’ll be racing on board our iconic 72ft Challenger yacht, going head-to-head with youth crews from up to 19 UK Sail Training organisations — with around 20 boats taking part. And for an extra challenge, you’ll also be match-racing against another TSYT Challenger within the fleet.
As part of our Empowerment Voyages designed as the second stage of TSYT’s three-voyage programme, this hands-on journey is a training ground for your personal development.
Throughout the voyage, you’ll have the opportunity to learn new skills while developing your confidence and self-esteem and building your social and communication skills.
You’ll grow your leadership skills and independence, gain insight into how you work within a team, and learn to persevere through challenges. You’ll also get time to bond with your crew, build your racing knowledge, and ultimately experience the unmatched thrill of competition on the open sea.
In addition to the excitement and skill-building, you can also use this voyage to tick off the residential section of your DofE Gold Award, and work towards your RYA Competent Crew qualification.
This voyage opportunity is perfect for:
- Young people (aged 14–25) looking for their next big sailing challenge
- Those who’ve sailed with TSYT before and/or are on the Ocean Racing Pathway
- Young sailors with racing ambitions or dinghy racing experience
- Anyone who enjoys competitive, team-based activities and is up for the challenge
Day 1 – Safety drills and settling in, with a possible overnight anchorage in Cawsand Bay or Wembury Bay for team building.
Day 2 – Skills & drills day, with an overnight stop in Salcombe, Dartmouth, or Brixham.
Day 3 – Passage sail from Torbay to Cowes, practicing race techniques (helming, trim, reefing, etc.) in a watch system.
Day 4 – Rest, pre-race prep, and additional training.
Day 5 – Race day! Take on the ASTO Small Ships Race, finish strong in Cowes, then celebrate in style at the epic crew party.
Day 6 – Final sail back to Portsmouth for pack away, clean throughs, debrief, and next steps.
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 a young person who has faced, or is facing, personal challenges (For example: this could be a learning barrier, caring responsibilities or a young person currently not in education, etc.). Check out our bursary guidance and apply if you need to!
Flexible Booking Options:
- Book your place with a 30% deposit.
- The remaining balance is due 8 weeks before your voyage.
- Need more flexibility? We can set up a payment plan to suit your needs. For details, please contact our Reservations Team.
Greater Independence. Resilience. Decision-making abilities. Lasting memories.
Throughout the week, you’ll experience plenty of opportunities to helm the yacht and enjoy some night and offshore sailing, as well as building proficiency in sail handling, ropework, passage planning and onboard safety.
In your watches, you’ll take responsibility for all aspects of sailing the Challenger, from deck duties to cooking and cleaning, under the expert guidance of the TSYT Crew.
This voyage is a great way to explore new places, with plenty of time to reflect on your personal development.
Each crew member will receive a personal assessment covering their leadership, teamwork and communication skills — a great addition to your CV!
All voyages of four nights or more qualify for the residential section of the DofE Gold award. Please let our Reservations Team know before sailing if you want to use the voyage for this.
During this voyage, you will work towards achieving your RYA Competent Crew certificate.
The RYA Competent Crew syllabus includes:
- Sea terms and parts of a boat, rigging and sails
- Sail handling
- Ropework
- Fire precautions and fighting
- Personal safety equipment
- Man overboard
- Emergency equipment
- Manners and customs
- Rules of the ‘road’ (at sea)
- Dinghies
The cost of your RYA Competent Crew certificate is included in the price. If you have previously achieve this and are looking to work towards your RYA Watch Leader, please speak to our team after booking!
RYA logbooks are available for purchase onboard at a cost of £6 (Skippers are only able to take cash for this); you can always buy one ahead of time and read up on what you’ll be doing for the RYA certificate before you join!
The Skipper will determine the final route depending on weather and other variables.
Your Skipper can also recommend you for our volunteer crew training programme, if they feel you have the skills and attributes that we’re looking for. You can speak to your TSYT crew if this is something you’d be interested in and you’d like to find out more.
All meals on board are included.
