Price
£891
Nights
Six
Age range
14-17
Start port
Portsmouth
End port
Portsmouth
DofE
Yes
RYA
Competent Crew
Voyage code
KT115
Bursary
Available
Voyage highlights
Join Tall Ships Youth Trust (TSYT) and expand your skill set at sea on a week-long Voyage of Empowerment starting and finishing in the waterfront city of Portsmouth.
If you’ve sailed with us before or you have alternative active and/or residential outdoor learning experience, this is a great opportunity to challenge yourself on board one of our ocean-going racing yachts.
As you explore the south coast of England, you’ll be able to spend time reflecting on your aspirations, set meaningful goals towards them, and develop tangible life and employability skills, which will support you on your journey into adulthood.
Our Voyages of Empowerment are designed as the second stage of TSYT’s three-voyage programme, building on the entry-level skills learnt on a Voyage of Exploration.
These voyages support young people to develop resilience, a positive attitude towards challenge, greater independence, and an individual understanding of how they function within a team.
For this reason, this Voyage of Empowerment may not be suitable for young people without prior voyaging or residential outdoor learning experience.
Not only can you use this voyage to complete the residential section of your Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award if this applies to you, but you can also work to achieve 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.
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.
Pack your camera as you may spot dolphins, seals and fin whales along the way.
Life skills. Increased confidence. Independence. Resilience. Decision-making abilities. Lasting memories.
Throughout the week, you’ll experience plenty of opportunities to take the helm and enjoy some night and offshore sailing, as well as building proficiency in sail handling, ropework and onboard safety.
We divide the crew into two teams (watches). In your watches, you’ll get involved in all aspects of sailing the Challenger, from deck duties to cooking and cleaning.
This voyage is a great way to explore new places, with time to reflect on your personal development opportunities . There will also be plenty of challenges to boost your confidence and deepen your sailing experience along the way.
Each crew member will receive a personal assessment covering their leadership, teamwork and communication skills — a great addition to your CV and personal record of achievement!
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.
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.
