YOUNG people living in the local area are being offered the opportunity of a free five-day residential voyage with the UK’s largest youth development and outdoor learning charity.

Tall Ships Youth Trust (TSYT) has a pot of funding to provide youngsters, aged 12-25, with a transformational voyage onboard one of its iconic 72ft Challenger yachts and 55ft ketch.

The programme is open from now and until the end of the year, to schools, youth groups and individuals based within North Devon, West Somerset and Exmoor National Park areas.

The voyages set sail from the charity’s base in Portsmouth and explore the Solent and beautiful South Coast with possible overnight stops in Cowes, Poole and Weymouth.

Sailing charity offers free residential voyages for local young people
Sailing charity offers free residential voyages for local young people (Sailing charity offers free residential voyages for local young people )

Sailing charity offers free residential voyages for local young people (Sally golden Photography)
Sailing charity offers free residential voyages for local young people (Sally golden Photography) (Sailing charity offers free residential voyages for local young people (Sally golden Photography))
Sailing charity offers free residential voyages for local young people
Sailing charity offers free residential voyages for local young people (Sailing charity offers free residential voyages for local young people )
Sailing charity offers free residential voyages for local young people
Sailing charity offers free residential voyages for local young people (Sailing charity offers free residential voyages for local young people )

Kirsty French, youth development and outdoor learning director, said: “Voyaging with TSYT onboard our Challengers is an incredible opportunity for young people to see beyond their horizon into an exciting and adventurous environment. Every young person is integral to the success of each trip, getting involved in every part of life at sea, from learning the ropes on deck to working together as a team to plan meals, prepare food, haul lines and set the sails.

"Pushing their boundaries to learn new skills, our young people build their confidence, make new friends, and for many, can lead to maritime qualifications and careers at sea. Working together in their offshore community, they develop positive relationships and build the resilience and self-esteem needed to realise their true potential.”

If you’re a school or youth group operating in the above named areas, please get in touch with our team for more information: [email protected] Individuals aged 12-25, who live in these areas, can email: [email protected]

Visit the charity’s website at www.tallships.org to see its full voyage programme for individuals. For group booking availability, contact [email protected] , as above.

If you’re interested in a TSYT voyage but live outside of these areas, please still get in touch to see if you qualify for our bursary programme, which offers a significant reduction on the full cost.  If you’re over 25 and interested in voyaging with TSYT, please contact [email protected] for information about opportunities for adults.