Tall Ships Youth Trust (TSYT) is partnering with the Naval Children’s Charity (NCC) to offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young people to sail the coast of the UK.

Following the success of NCC and TSYT’s maiden expeditions in summer 2022, children of serving and veteran Naval personnel will embark on five-night residential voyages in August and October.

Setting sail from, or ending up in, either Portsmouth or Plymouth aboard one of our iconic 72ft Challenger yachts, the explorers of tomorrow will be involved in all aspects of sailing from ropework and sail handling to helming.

The crew – all aged between 12 and 25 years – will also learn valuable transferable skills. Working as a team, developing their communication and leadership skills, these young people will come away with the capability to overcome barriers, and excel in their transition to adulthood.

Naval Children’s Charity CEO, Clare Scherer, said:

“We are delighted to be able to offer more of these voyages to our children and young people again this year. Those that went on the voyages last year had the most amazing time, forging friendships and bonding with their shared backgrounds from Naval families.”

Last August, 20 young people from NCC joined our crew for two legs of our Round Britain Adventure, setting off from Whitehaven and then sailing from Greenock to Peterhead. Both groups of young people achieved their Royal Yachting Association (RYA) certificates, with three of the cohort continuing their RYA training with TSYT.

TSYT’s Director of Youth Development and Outdoor Learning, Kirsty French, said:

“We are excited to welcome another cohort of young people aboard one of our Challenger yachts as part of our ongoing partnership with the Naval Children’s Charity.

“Our previous NCC voyages during the Round Britain Adventure really enabled the young people to push themselves beyond their comfort zone, learning to work together to overcome shared challenges. We are looking forward to giving even more young people the opportunity to enjoy this truly transformational experience with Tall Ships Youth Trust.”

Founded in 1825, Naval Children’s Charity help around 2,000 Naval children directly each year and many thousands more through their resources and work with communities and other organisations.

The voyages, which are fully subsidised by NCC, are open to children aged 12-25 of any parent or guardian who is a serving or veteran member of the Royal Navy, including Royal Marines, WRNS, QARNNS, Reserves and Royal Fleet Auxiliary. Grants are also available for families that need extra support with travel and kit.

One parent from last year’s cohort said:

“Before his dad left, he was a confident, outgoing boy who had a wide friendship group and loved to make people laugh. Sadly, over the last few years he had become withdrawn and nervous.

“What a difference the voyage has made… He has become much more confident, and I’ve got my happy, smiling boy who likes to make people laugh back.”

Click here for more information about the Naval Children’s Charity.