Our team of amateur sailors will be participating in the 2023 Rolex Fastnet Race representing the amazing Tall Ships Youth Trust (TSYT) charity.

In addition to self-funding our race, we are also fundraising to enable young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to also take part in the race as part of a youth crew - giving them the chance of a lifetime!

The Fastnet Race

The 695-nautical mile race will start in Cowes on the Isle of Wight, on Saturday 22 July 2023. We will then race to Southern Ireland and around the Fastnet Rock, before heading to the finish line in Cherbourg on the French northern coast. We know it’s going to be challenging, but we are doing it for a wonderful cause!

The Fastnet Youth Crew

The TSYT youth boat will be crewed by 13 young people aged 16-25. They are being selected from a pool of nearly 40 young people who have previously sailed with TSYT and met the selection criteria. These young people wouldn’t otherwise have access to this type of opportunity and for those lucky enough to take part, it really is an incredible opportunity and once in a lifetime experience. The Fastnet race is the most adventurous voyaging that they are ever likely to do. And our team is proud to be funding their participation.

Tall Ships Youth Trust

Tall Ships Youth Trust is a national youth development outdoor learning charity, which has have 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.

Three-voyage model

TSYT have developed a three-voyage programme of Exploration, Empowerment and Leadership, which combines outdoor learning with personal development, social development and practical life skills. It has been designed to build on the highly effective single-voyage intervention, but provide further support for young people on their transition into adulthood and throughout their lives. Each voyage, and the time between, builds on previous experience to nurture and positively challenge the young people. The new programme offers more in-depth and targeted experiences, with clearly defined pathways for progression for the young people. It will also help develop young leaders, offer clear routes into volunteering, and for those who want it, careers in the maritime and ocean environments.

Take a look!

This short video brings the work of Tall Ships Youth Trust to life:

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.