Price
£795
Nights
Five
Age range
14–25
Start port
Portsmouth
End port
Portsmouth
DofE
Yes
Voyage code
EV083
Bursary
Available
Voyage highlights
This Empowerment Voyage is built around participation in the RORC Channel Race, a demanding 24–36 hour non-stop offshore race, and is designed for 14–25 year olds with previous sailing experience.
Due to the physical and mental demands of offshore yacht racing, this voyage is not suitable for beginners or those new to Challenger sailing.
With just one Challenger entering the race, the focus is on building team performance through personal development, developing offshore racing skills as well as essential life skills such as communication and resilience, rather than overall placing.
The race environment becomes a powerful learning tool testing your ability to work as a team, communicate clearly, make decisions under pressure, and keep going even when situations get tough.
Reflection is a core part of this voyage. Structured briefings and debriefings will take place at individual, watch, and whole-crew level. Each crew member will receive a personal debrief with their Watch Leader, focusing on achievements, challenges, and future goals.
Training will take place in the Solent and along the south coast, including overnight sailing and extended offshore passages. You can expect to spend most of your time at sea, on watch, resting, or taking part in structured team sessions.
Subject to weather, race timings, and skipper discretion
Day 1 – Joining, safety briefings, goal-setting sessions, team development activities, and offshore preparation.
Day 2–3 – Training sail, overnight passage sailing, watch systems, and final race preparation.
Race Period – RORC Channel Race (24–36 hours non-stop).
Final Day – Recovery sail, full team debrief, personal feedback sessions, reflection, and departure.
Resilience. Confidence. Leadership. Teamwork.
You will be challenged to operate as part of a high-functioning team in a demanding offshore environment, learning how to manage pressure, fatigue, communication, and decision-making.
You will:
• Build confidence in offshore and night sailing
• Develop leadership and teamwork skills
• Learn how to operate within a watch system
• Improve sail handling, ropework, and deck operations
• Strengthen your ability to communicate clearly and support others
All our 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 young people who have faced, or are facing, personal challenges (for example: learning barriers, caring responsibilities, or being currently not in education). Please check our bursary guidance and apply if you need support.
Flexible Booking Options:
• Book your place with a 30% deposit
• The remaining balance is due 8 weeks before your voyage
• Need more flexibility? Our Reservations Team can help arrange a tailored payment plan
This voyage is physically and mentally demanding. Expect long periods at sea, night sailing, and limited time ashore.
The Skipper will determine the final route and programme depending on weather, safety, and race requirements.
All meals on board are included.
Crew members may be recommended for progression to advanced Ocean Racing Pathway voyages, Leadership voyages or future advanced offshore opportunities based on their performance and attitude.
