Price
£940
Nights
Seven
Age range
16-25
Start port
Plymouth
End port
Portsmouth
DofE
Yes
RYA
Competent Crew
Voyage code
CF714
Bursary
Available
Voyage highlights
Want to take your sailing skills to the next level? Join Tall Ships Youth Trust (TSYT) and expand your skillset at sea as you embark on an eight-day Voyage of Empowerment from Plymouth to Portsmouth.
If you’ve sailed with us before or have alternative active and/or residential outdoor learning experience, this is a great opportunity to challenge yourself on board one of our iconic 72ft Challenger yachts, while considering your aspirations, setting meaningful goals and above all, developing tangible life and employability skills, which will support you on your journey to adulthood.
As you explore the South and Jurassic coasts of England with your fellow crew members from a variety of backgrounds, you’ll step out of your comfort zone and learn from each other’s experiences. On board you’ll develop transferrable skills and build an understanding of your own strengths and areas for development, while creating lifelong memories and having fun at sea.
Our Voyages of Empowerment are designed as the second stage of TSYT’s three-voyage programme, building on the entry-level skills learnt on a Voyage of Exploration.
These voyages support young people to develop resilience, a positive attitude towards challenge, greater independence, and an individual understanding of how they function within a team.
For this reason, this Voyage of Empowerment 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’s Gold Award, but you can also work to achieve your RYA Competent Crew certificate while on board.
Setting off from Plymouth, you’ll head east along the Jurassic Coast, with potential stopovers in Salcombe, Dartmouth and Brixham.
The Jurassic Coast extends from Exmouth, Devon and continues for 95 miles until Old Harry Rocks, in Dorset, an impressive chalk headland.
You’ll then continue the journey along the south coast, potentially visiting Weymouth and Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight, before arriving at your final port of Portsmouth, a historical waterfront city in the Solent.
Bring something to record your ideas and reflections in (this can be a digital device) and be prepared to get involved in co-creating an ocean-based sustainability project to build your awareness and skills around taking action to protect our ocean environment.
Be sure to bring a camera as you may spot dolphins, seals and fin whales along the way.
Life skills. Increased confidence. Independence. Resilience. Decision-making abilities. Lasting memories.
Throughout the week, you’ll experience plenty of opportunities to take the helm and enjoy some night and offshore sailing, as well as building proficiency in 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.
This voyage is a great way to explore new places, with time to reflect on your personal development opportunities. There will also be plenty of challenges to build your confidence and deepen your sailing experience along the way.
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.
The Skipper will determine the final route depending on the weather and other variables.
If you share our values and are keen to do more, you may be able to support our vital work further by joining the TSYT Volunteer Crew.
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.
