Price
£935
Nights
Six
Age range
14-25
Start port
Portsmouth
End port
Ipswich
Passport
Yes
DofE
Yes
RYA
Competent Crew
Voyage code
CF796
Bursary
Available
Voyage highlights
Join a group of passionate young people on a seven-day Voyage of Empowerment from Portsmouth to Ipswich onboard our ocean-going 72ft Challenger yacht.
Our Empowerment Voyages are the second stage of TSYT’s three-voyage programme, and with a more challenging itinerary, it is perfect for those who have sailed with us before or have similar outdoor learning experiences.
During the voyage, you’ll have the chance to reflect on your aspirations, set meaningful goals, and develop life-changing skills that will support your journey into adulthood. This experience is designed to help you thrive, boosting your employability and enhancing your decision-making and teamwork abilities.
You’ll build on your communication skills, develop resilience, independence, mental toughness—all while having an amazing time at sea and bonding with new friends!
Plus, this voyage can help you complete the residential section of your Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award and work towards achieving your RYA Competent Crew qualification.
After departing Portsmouth, you’ll head east sailing through the Solent, one of the world’s most famous sailing waters.
En route to Ipswich, you may stop over at Dover and Ramsgate on the southeast coast, before your arrival in Orwell Quay, Ipswich. Weather and timing permitted, there may be the chance to cross the English Channel and visit ports along the coast of France.
You would need to present a valid passport for this. If you don’t have a passport, please get in touch before booking.
Life skills. 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!
The full voyage cost is £935; however, thanks to generous funding aimed at supporting the ongoing development of young people, we can offer a bursary that will reduce the cost, do apply to see if you qualify.
Additionally, you may have the option to pay a 30% deposit when you book on early and the balance 8 weeks before the voyage starts.
For details, please contact our Reservations Team.
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.
RYA logbooks are available for purchase onboard at a cost of £6 (Skippers are only able to take cash for this).
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.
You’ll be asked to enter your passport details as part of the booking process. If you don’t have these to hand, please contact us as soon as possible after submitting your booking form to let us know your details, as we cannot accept your booking without this information.
You will also need to present your valid passport to the Skipper at the start of the voyage.
The Skipper will determine the final route depending on weather and other variables.
Following your voyage with us, there’s a possibility you could be recommended by the Skipper to come back and volunteer as a Watch Assistant or Watch Leader for future Tall Ships Youth Trust voyages.
All meals onboard are included.
