Price
£715
Nights
Six
Age range
14–25
Start port
Portsmouth
End port
Portsmouth
DofE
Yes
RYA
Competent Crew
Voyage code
CF880
Bursary
Available
Voyage highlights
This six-day Voyage of Empowerment starts and finishes in the vibrant waterfront city of Portsmouth and is designed to challenge you both on and off the water.
Please note that a Voyage of Empowerment is designed as the second stage of TSYT’s three-voyage programme, building on the entry-level outdoor learning skills. For this reason, this voyage may not be suitable for any young person without prior residential or outdoor learning experience.
On board one of our iconic 72ft Challenger yachts, you’ll take on greater responsibility, develop your independence, and build decision-making skills as part of a close-knit crew.
As you explore the south coast of England, you’ll also take time to reflect on your aspirations, set meaningful personal goals, and develop employability skills that will support you on your journey into adulthood.
With the support of our expert crew and mentors, you’ll develop a positive attitude towards challenge, build resilience, and gain a clear understanding of how you function within a team.
You can use this voyage to complete the residential section of your Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award, if applicable, and work towards achieving your RYA Competent Crew certificate.
You’ll sail through the Solent and then along the stunning south coast.
Likely stopovers include Cowes or Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight, and Lymington, Poole or Weymouth along the coast.
You may spot dolphins, seals and fin whales along the way.
Bring something to record your ideas and reflections in (this can be a digital device) and be prepared to get involved in co-creating an ocean-based sustainability project to build your awareness and skills around taking action to protect our ocean environment.
Decision Making Skills. Greater Independence. New friendships. Lasting memories.
Over the course of your voyage, you’ll learn about and practice sailing essentials including steering the yacht as well as sail handling, ropework and how to keep safe on board. If conditions are suitable, you may also get to do some longer passages/overnight sailing.
We divide the crew into two teams (watches) – traditionally, known as Port and Starboard. In your watches, you’ll take it in turns to be involved in all aspects of sailing the Challenger – from deck duties to cooking and cleaning.
Each crew member will receive a personal assessment covering their leadership, teamwork and communication skills – a great addition to your CV.
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 safety
- 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.
The Skipper will determine the final route depending on weather and other variables.
Your Skipper can also recommend that you return for another voyage and continue your personal growth journey through our three-voyage programme.
You could also receive a recommendation 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.
