In life, opportunities often come knocking at unexpected times, opening doors to experiences that...
Thinking about going on an offshore sailing adventure might seem like a daunting prospect, especially if you're new to the world of sailing. If you're considering giving it a go but are unsure where to begin, fear not! Allow me to guide you through based on my own experiences. (Read about how it all began for me here.)
For me, the perfect avenue to kick-start my sailing journey was to explore voyages offered by youth charity sailing organizations such as the Tall Ships Youth Trust, CatZero, or Challenge Wales. These amazing organizations extend their offerings to adults as well, which helps raise funds for their youth development programmes.
What makes these organisations particularly great is their inclusive nature, catering to complete beginners with no prior sailing experience. In fact, some even offer the opportunity to attain a Competent Crew certification with the RYA—an invaluable credential for aspiring sailors.
Throughout these voyages, you'll be introduced to the fundamentals of sailing in a fun and safe environment. They lay a solid foundation upon which you can build your future seafaring adventures. So, if you're ready to embrace the call of the sea, I’ll give you a rundown on where to start and what to expect.
Where to start
Here are four youth sailing organisations that charter Challenge 72 vessels some of which I have been lucky enough to sail and write about in previous blog posts.
Tall Ship Youth Trust – Portsmouth
The Tall Ships Youth Trust is dedicated to transforming the lives of young people through sailing adventures. Their mission is to provide opportunities for personal development, growth, and empowerment. The trust operates a fleet of tall ships and through their programs, individuals are encouraged to step out of their comfort zones, develop valuable life skills, and foster a sense of teamwork, resilience, and self-confidence. From sailing challenges and navigation exercises to learning the ropes and becoming an integral part of the crew.
They offer adult sailing adventures throughout the year from day sails in the Solent to Atlantic crossings, these voyages are suitable for beginners and experienced sailors alike, and the cost of the voyage is then used to fund projects for their youth development programmes.. If you would like to know more about The Tall Ships Youth Trust head over to their website or check out their current adult voyages on offer.
CatZero - Hull
CatZero is a charity organization dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals through unique sailing experiences. Their mission is to support individuals facing various challenges, including unemployment, social exclusion, or personal difficulties, by providing them with the skills, confidence, and support necessary to navigate toward a brighter future.
Through their sailing adventures, participants not only learn the practical aspects of sailing but also gain essential life skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and resilience.
The adult voyages offered by CatZero provide a supportive and inclusive environment for individuals of all backgrounds and abilities. Whether you are a complete beginner or have some sailing experience, these voyages are designed to cater to a wide range of skill levels. The experienced crew and instructors ensure that participants receive comprehensive training and guidance throughout the journey.
I would recommend their Dutch Dash to anyone totally new to sailing, it is a five-day adventure from Hull to the Netherlands and back. These are usually run twice a year around June and September. I wrote a blog post about my experience taking part in the Dutch Dash back in June 2023.
If you would like to know more about CatZero head over to their website.
Challenge Wales
Challenge Wales is a sailing organization that offers life-changing sailing experiences to individuals of all ages. Their programs focus on personal development, teamwork, and building confidence through sailing adventures. With their flagship vessel, also named Challenge Wales, they provide an inclusive environment where participants can learn essential life skills, embrace new challenges, and create lasting memories. By combining the thrill of sailing with personal growth opportunities, Challenge Wales empowers individuals to expand their horizons, develop valuable skills, and embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery.
I haven’t sailed with them yet but hoping to get something booked in for next year! If you would like to know more about Challenge Wales head over to their website or find out more about their adult sailing opportunities here.
Ocean Youth Trust Scotland
The Ocean Youth Trust Scotland is dedicated to transforming the lives of young people through the power of the sea. With a strong focus on personal development and adventure, they provide life-changing sailing experiences aboard their fleet of sail training vessels. The organization offers a range of voyages tailored to the needs and aspirations of young people, regardless of their background or prior sailing experience.
The voyages offered are split into two age categories: 12 – 15 years old and 16 – 24 years old. They do not currently offer adult voyages but they do offer opportunities to become volunteer crew. You can find out more about that here.
What to expect
Adventure and Exploration: Prepare for an exciting journey that will provide the opportunity to explore the open seas, new ports of call or even visits abroad.
Learning the Ropes: You'll have the chance to learn the fundamentals of sailing, including hoisting sails, navigating, steering, and even climbing the mast if you're up for the challenge.
Teamwork and Collaboration: Sailing requires teamwork, and you can expect to work closely with your fellow crew members, learning to communicate effectively and cooperate to accomplish common goals.
Personal Development: These voyages offer a unique environment for personal growth, allowing you to develop essential life skills such as leadership, problem-solving, resilience, and adaptability.
Building Confidence: As you master new skills and face challenges head-on, you'll gain confidence in your abilities and learn to trust yourself and your decisions.
Embracing New Experiences: Be prepared to step out of your comfort zone, try new things, and embrace the unknown. Sailing voyages offer opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery.
Building Lifelong Friendships: The close-knit nature of life onboard fosters a strong sense of camaraderie and friendship. You'll form bonds with your fellow crew members that can last a lifetime.
Developing an Appreciation for Nature: Sailing allows you to connect with the natural world, immersing yourself in the elements and gaining a deep appreciation for the ocean's beauty and power.
Overcoming Challenges: Sailing voyages present various challenges, such as adverse weather conditions or navigating unfamiliar waters. These experiences will test your resilience and problem-solving skills.
Creating Lasting Memories: Prepare to make memories that will stay with you forever. From stunning sunsets on the open sea to shared laughter and triumphs, the experiences gained on these voyages are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression!
In summary, embarking on a sailing voyage with organizations such as those mentioned in this article promises an array of incredible experiences and personal growth opportunities.
Expect to learn the ropes of sailing, work as part of a team, and push your boundaries. Prepare for an adventure that will transform your perspective, broaden your horizons, and empower you to navigate the open seas.
