THE UK’s oldest and largest youth development sail training charity, Tall Ships Youth Trust (TSYT), is hosting an open day at Orwell Quay in Ipswich this Saturday (17^th).

The event is part of the final leg of the charity’s Round Britain Adventure onboard its Challenger 4, which will return to Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth next week.

Since July, seven youth crews have benefitted from a voyage onboard the 72ft Challenger, as it circumnavigates the British coastline stopping at eight different ports to offer young people from across the country this unique opportunity.

TSYT, which is based in Portsmouth, has been operating as a sail training charity for 66 years. With a focus on working with young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, the charity empowers young people to realise their full potential by living and working together on its residential voyages enabling them to build confidence, resilience and self-esteem.

This year, TSYT has been able to run its Round Britain tour for the first time since 2019.

Alastair Floyd, CEO of TSYT, said:

 “The pandemic stopped us from running this fantastic tour but not anymore! It’s been great to offer young people the opportunity to sail from one part of the country to another and experience different sailing and living environments.

“It’s also helped us to raise the profile of our vital work with open events in Whitehaven, Greenock, Newcastle and now our final event in Ipswich.”

The open event will be held between 10am and 4pm at Orwell Quay on Saturday. Guests will have the opportunity to take a tour onboard TSYT’s iconic 72ft Challenger 4 yacht, which will be moored alongside the quay.

Challenger 4 is one of four Challengers owned by TSYT, which were all built in 2000 and are famous for having raced twice round the world, as part of the Global Challenge races.

If you have any queries relating to the open event, please email: info@tallships.org

Click here to register your interest via the event page on Facebook.​