3-9 June marks Volunteer Week, and we are taking the time to celebrate the incredible contributions our volunteers make to young people and communities across the UK.

Volunteers are pivotal in our mission to change young lives at sea, they donate approximately 45,000 hours every year.

We caught up with some of our amazing volunteers and will be sharing their stories throughout the week.

May, first joined a TSYT voyage to the Bay of Biscay at 15. Now, she volunteers as a watch leader and mate while studying for a mechanical engineering degree.

We asked May about her experience volunteering for TSYT:

Why do you volunteer with TSYT?

“Volunteering with TSYT is incredibly rewarding. There’s always something new to learn from other crew, or even the young people voyaging with us. I am always keen to explore, and since I was 15 TSYT has offered me a safe platform from which I can challenge myself and find new limits.”

What’s your most memorable experience?

“There are so many moments and experiences. the most memorable, are always the moments when you get to see young people discovering the amazing freedom offered by sailing. Whether it’s delivering a good report, the excitement of crashing through waves, or the pride of independently preparing a meal. these moments will always stay with me, and I am looking forward to many more.”

How has volunteering with TSYT supported you and your career?

“Sailing with TSYT allowed me to gain invaluable sailing experience and work towards my RYA Yachtmaster Offshore certificate, which I was awarded last September. Without TSYT I would not have known about the ASTO/Trinity House bursaries allowed me to complete all my qualifications whilst studying for a degree in mechanical engineering.”

May is excited to be volunteering on a voyage in July, which will be her first journey fully qualified.

Interested in becoming a volunteer for TSYT? Find out more…