Hi,

Thank you for visiting my JustGiving page!

I’m Tom and I'm 12. In a moment of bravery I signed up to compete in this year's  Rolex Fastnet Race to raise funds for the Tall Ships Youth Trust charity.

The TSYT is a fantastic charity which helps young people, some from very disadvantaged background, to changes their lives, often steering them away from things like homelessness, drugs and crime, toward more successful, happier lives. They do this by getting them involved in sailing on their 72ft Challenger yachts. 

Take a look at the video that shows the  work of Tall Ships Youth Trust: https://youtu.be/-gfiikQPTPg

While I have been lucky enough to sail from when I was young, I've never done anything as challenging as the Fastnet Race before. It's a notoriously tough offshore race and I'll be the youngest competitor - possibly the youngest person to compete since the first race in 1925. We'll sail non-stop over a 700 nautical (800 normal) mile course - further over the water once you take the tacks into account - which will take 4-5 days depending on conditions. The team will be split into two watches, with a 4-hour watch system, so no more that 3 hours of sleep at a time. It's going to be exhausting!

The race starts at the Squadron Line in Cowes outside Southampton water. From there we'll sail west down the English Channel to Land's End before crossing the often-gruelling Celtic Sea, around the Fastnet Rock off the southwest coast of Ireland, then back around the Scilly Isles, before coming back up the Channel and finishing in Cherbourg in France.

I'm passionate about sailing and understand the far reaching benefits it can bring to lives. I feel incredibly lucky to have sailed all my life and it would be great to be able to share it with people who have less fortunate starts in life, so I'd love it if you would be kind enough to sponsor me on this huge challenge.

The TSYT has entered three 72ft Challenger's - I will be on Challenger 2 - including one boat, funded by the charity, which will be crewed by 13 young people aged 16-25 who wouldn't otherwise have this type of opportunity so it really will be a once in a lifetime experience! None of the money I am raising will go towards the cost of my entry.

Thank you so much for reading my page and for helping improve young lives through this great charity.

Thank you!

Tom

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Tall Ships Youth Trust

TSYT is a national youth development outdoor learning charity, which has been improving the skills and life chances of young people since 1956. The charity offers transformational voyages to over 1,000 young people every year, working with predominantly disadvantaged young people who haven’t had the same life chances as their peers due to learning, mental or physical disabilities, behavioural or emotional difficulties or because they are from low-income families.

TSYT's fleet of four 72ft Challenger yachts and a 55ft ketch offer young people a unique, physically and mentally challenging residential environment. Everyone sets off on a level playing field with no preconceived ideas regarding backgrounds or abilities. During a voyage, usually lasting at least 4 nights, they develop a range of skills, which can be transferred to their day-to-day lives to help them overcome any barriers and thrive. They equip young people with the skills and empowerment needed to realise their true potential. Their voyages enable young people to develop the life skills, social skills, confidence and self-esteem needed to raise their aspirations and make positive life choices.

Please support the Tall Ships Youth Trust

If we exceed our fundraising target to support the Fastnet Youth Crew, even more young people from disadvantaged backgrounds will have the opportunity to turn their lives around on a Tall Ships Youth Trust voyage. So please help us smash our fundraising target!

Thank you for your support.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.