Price
£285
Nights
Two
Age range
16-25
Start port
Portsmouth
End port
Portsmouth
Voyage code
CF844
Bursary
Available
Voyage highlights
STEP INTO BIG-BOAT OCEAN RACING
This Solent Racing Weekend is designed for aged 16+ who want a credible, hands‑on introduction to big‑boat racing or a chance to sharpen existing racing skills.
Over an intensive weekend sailing from Portsmouth, you’ll train and race on a 72ft Challenger yacht, developing performance sailing skills, teamwork and confidence under pressure.
You will take part in focused training sessions designed to build your racing knowledge and confidence.
You’ll learn and practise:
- Sail trimming for speed and efficiency
- Racing tacks and safe gybes
- Helming to wind angles, compass courses, and visual references
- Coordinating crew manoeuvres under pressure
- Communicating clearly and decisively as part of a race crew
Training is practical, progressive, and supported at all times by our professional skippers and crew.
This racing weekend is suitable for:
- Sailors looking to develop or refresh racing skills
- People curious about offshore or big-boat racing
- Confident sailors preparing for future race campaigns
If you are unsure whether this weekend is right for your experience level, our team will be happy to advise.
Friday – Arrival & Race Preparation
You’ll join the yacht in Portsmouth, meet your skipper and crew, discuss individual goals and complete safety briefings. The afternoon is spent underway in the Solent, learning Challenger handling, race starts, trimming and team coordination.
Saturday – Race Day
Saturday brings the intensity. You’ll take part in a competitive race against another Challenger crew, including an early mainsail hoist challenge and a dynamic Le Mans‑style start. Expect continuous manoeuvres, sail changes and trimming as you push for performance.
Sunday – Race Back & Debrief
You’ll race back to Portsmouth, applying everything learned over the weekend. The crew may introduce additional challenges such as headsail changes. The weekend finishes with a debrief, prize‑giving and certificates.
For many participants, this weekend is the first step towards larger challenges, longer races, offshore passages, advanced racing or volunteering opportunities. It also stands alone as a demanding and hugely rewarding experience in its own right.
Adult participation (25+) directly supports Tall Ships Youth Trust’s youth development work.
By choosing to sail with Tall Ships Youth Trust, you are combining personal challenge with measurable social impact.
Income from adult racing voyages directly funds bursaries for young people facing barriers to participation, enabling them to access transformational experiences at sea.
This itinerary and the length/course of the race depend on weather conditions and may be subject to change. Alternative competitive activities may be included in the event of insufficient wind.
All meals are provided, and allergens / dietary requirements can be catered for.
We have bursaries available for this racing weekend to help support anyone who might need a little extra financial support to join. If you need support, we encourage you to apply and see if you qualify.
If you need help with booking online or want to talk about payment plans, please reach out to reservations@tallships.org.
