Price
£275
Nights
Three
Age range
18-65
Start port
Portsmouth, UK
End port
Portsmouth, UK
Voyage code
EV068
Bursary
Available
Voyage highlights
Do you dream of being part of a winning race team?
Join us for a race training weekend in the Solent, where you will learn to race a 72ft Challenger yacht – famous for sailing the world in two editions of the BT Global Challenge. Throughout the weekend, you will engage in sailing drills, enhance your racing skills, and gain experience in helming and trimming sails.
On Saturday, you will put your new skills to the test in an exhilarating race. You will compete against a second crew in an early mainsail hoist race, followed by a ‘Le Mans’ style race start. You can expect to perform racing manoeuvres from tacks & gybes to sail changes and practice sail trimming throughout the race.
Your adventure will support our youth development voyage programme. Proceeds from our adult voyages enable us to provide bursaries for young people, who wouldn’t be able to take part in life-changing voyage experiences without financial support.
Thursday: Arrival
Join the crew for dinner and enjoy a relaxed evening while learning about the vessel’s safety features. Our TSYT crew will discuss everyone’s goals for the weekend and ascertain your previous sailing experience.
Friday: Race Prep
Expect an early start as there is a lot to cover before you can race 72ft steel yacht! After breakfast, there will be a full safety briefing, followed by deck preparation where you will familiarise yourself with the layout and sails of a Challenge 72.
You will then head out into the Solent for an afternoon of basic sailing drills to help you work effectively as a team. Your TSYT crew will guide you through the key racing skills, including how to get a good start, helming, trimming sails for speed, and understanding race tactics.
You will moor for the evening in either Cowes or Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight. Over dinner, you can discuss your strategy for race day and check the wind and tide conditions for the morning.
Saturday: Race in the Solent
Saturday will be race day, beginning with an early mainsail hoist race, followed by a ‘Le Mans’ style race start. Expect plenty of manoeuvres and sail trimming throughout the race. After crossing the finish line, you will head to Cowes to secure the boat before enjoying well-deserved showers and dinner.
Sunday: Race Back to Portsmouth
Enjoy a more relaxed start to the day before racing back to Portsmouth for a late lunch. The skippers may test your teamwork skills with headsail changes during the race, and you will have the opportunity to learn more about racing techniques and skills.
There will be a prize-giving where winners will receive TSYT-branded t-shirts and certificates.
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 young people (25 and under) 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.
