Price
£790
Nights
Six
Age range
16-25
Start port
Guernsey
End port
Poole
Passport
Yes
DofE
Yes
RYA
Competent Crew
Voyage code
CF735
Bursary
Available
Voyage highlights
Take part in the ASTO Guernsey – Poole Small Ships Race 2024, inspired by the RNLI’s 200th Anniversary and expand your skillset at sea on a six-night Voyage of Empowerment.
If you’ve sailed with us before or you have a different kind of active and residential outdoor learning experience, this is a great opportunity to challenge yourself on board one of our iconic 72ft Challenger yachts.
Race training will commence on Monday with the race kicking off on Tuesday. The route to Poole will go around a waypoint, with arrival expected on or before Thursday. On Friday, participants will gather in Poole for shoreside activities, prizegiving and a BBQ.
Our Empowerment Voyages are designed as the second stage of TSYT’s three-voyage programme, building on the entry-level skills learnt on an Exploration Voyage.
These voyages support young people to develop resilience, a positive attitude towards challenge, greater independence, mental toughness, decision-making ability, self-reliance, and an individual understanding of how they function within a team.
For this reason, this Empowerment Voyage may not be suitable for young people with no previous voyaging or residential outdoor learning experience.
Not only can you use this voyage to complete the residential section of your Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, but you will also work towards achieving your RYA Competent Crew qualification.
Please note that travel to and from the start and end points is not included. You will be responsible for arranging your travel to St Peter’s Port, Guernsey. We are more than happy to offer advice and look at connecting you with others interested in travelling as a group. Ensure that you have passports and any other necessary travel documentation for Guernsey.
The race starts from the East Coast of Guernsey, you will have the chance to explore the Island before meeting your crew. On route to Poole, you will explore the Channel Islands and South West Coast.
Be sure to bring a camera to document the race and you may spot dolphins and other wildlife along the way.
New skills. Racing experience. Increased confidence and self-esteem. New friendships.
Throughout the week, you’ll experience plenty of opportunities to steer the yacht and enjoy some night and offshore sailing, as well as building proficiency sail handling, ropework and onboard safety.
We divide the crew into two teams (watches). In your watches, you’ll get involved in all aspects of sailing the Challenger, from deck duties to cooking and cleaning.
Each crew member will receive a personal assessment covering their leadership, teamwork, and communication skills — a great addition to your CV!
During this voyage, you will work towards achieving your RYA Competent Crew certificate.
The RYA Competent Crew syllabus includes:
- Sea terms and parts of a boat, rigging and sails
- Sail handling
- Ropework
- Fire precautions and fighting
- Personal safety equipment
- Man overboard
- Emergency equipment
- Manners and customs
- Rules of the ‘road’ (at sea)
- Dinghies
The cost of your RYA Competent Crew certificate is included in the price.
RYA logbooks are available for purchase onboard at a cost of £6 (Skippers are only able to take cash for this).
All voyages of four nights or more qualify for the residential section of the DofE Gold Award.
Please let our Reservations Team know before sailing if you want to use the voyage for this.
Your Skipper may recommend you to join future voyages or join our volunteer training programme if they feel you have the skills and attributes that we’re looking for.
All meals on board are included.
