Price
£715
Nights
Five
Age range
16-25
Start port
Portsmouth
End port
Portsmouth
Passport
Yes
DofE
Yes
RYA
Competent crew
Voyage code
CF871
Bursary
Available
Voyage highlights
Enjoy a refreshing time sailing after the exam season!
Join us on six-day round-trip voyage from Portsmouth, across the English Channel, and exploring the beauty and charm of the Channel Islands.
Hop between stunning ports such as St Helier (Jersey), St Peter Port (Guernsey), and Braye Harbour (Alderney), experiencing spectacular coastal scenery, vibrant harbours, and hidden anchorages along the way.
On board one of our iconic 72ft Challenger yachts, you’ll take on a more demanding itinerary, work as part of a close-knit crew, contribute to decisions, and embrace greater responsibility throughout your voyage.
As you sail along the south coast of England and across the Channel, you’ll have time to reflect on your aspirations, set meaningful goals, and develop practical life and employability skills that will support you as you transition into adulthood.
Along the way, you can complete the residential section of your DofE Gold Award and work to achieve your RYA Competent Crew certificate on board.
An Empowerment Voyage is the second stage of TSYT’s three-voyage programme of Exploration, Empowerment, and Leadership. It provides a personal development experience to help young people develop resilience, a positive attitude toward challenge, stronger teamwork skills, and a deeper understanding of how they function within a team.
To join an ‘Empowerment Voyage’ you should have some sailing experience or have a similar residential experience in other outdoor and adventure activities. If you’re not sure if this is the right one for you, give us a call to talk through what you’re looking for.
Voyaging from Portsmouth, your voyage may include stopovers along the South Coast such as Yarmouth, Poole or Weymouth. Before heading across the Channel to mainland Europe and the Channel Islands with potential visits to Alderney, Sark or Guernsey.
Problem solving and Decision Making. Independence. Resilience. Lasting memories.
For those who have not sailed with us before, you’ll experience life in a watch system, two teams 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 looking after her to cooking and cleaning.
As an Empowerment voyage, you’ll be able to take an active role in the planning for many aspects of the voyage as well as develop your sailing skills to the next level through extended passages, offshore sailing and taking more responsibility with your team.
Each of our voyages engage with our ocean environment, taking part in activities building understanding around our oceans and how to positively impact on our environment and our communities.
At the end of the voyage, you’ll 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 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.
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 just 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—just contact us for details
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 must 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.
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.
