Tall Ships Youth Trust - Official Charity
Tall Ships Youth Trust (TSYT) is a youth development outdoor learning charity. We have been improving the skills and life chances of disadvantaged young people through experiences at sea since 1956.
Our vision is of a world where all young people strive to create better outcomes for themselves and for their communities. Utilising our fleet of four 72ft Challenger yachts and a 55ft ketch, we sail all-year round and provide young people from across the country with the opportunity to develop the life skills, social skills, confidence and self-esteem needed to raise their aspirations and make positive life choices.
Our three-voyage programme of Exploration, Empowerment and Leadership offers young people more in-depth and targeted experiences, with clearly defined pathways for progression, helping them to develop skills which will support them as they transition into adulthood and sustain them throughout their lives.
Our work develops young leaders, offers clear routes into volunteering and opportunities to gain nationally accredited maritime qualifications, and for those who want it, pathways into maritime and ocean environment careers.
"We're honoured and delighted to have been chosen as the Official Charity Partner of Cowes Week for 2023 and 2024. We're looking forward to being integrated into all aspects of Cowes Week, to raise funds and generate awareness for our life-changing work with young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, who need our support now more than ever."
James Hudson,
Director of Fundraising and Marketing
"I loved the voyage and will remember the week forever. It's been such an interesting and fun experience. Climbing the mast was the best, the view was so cool and something I've never seen before. The voyage made me realise that I'm stronger than I think I am, both mentally and physically"
Joanna (17)
Tall Ships Voyage Participant
We challenge ourselves to ensure we are offering a varied and exciting voyage programme, making our voyages more accessible to young people from across the UK. Our aim is to have more of a presence in areas of high deprivation and so from 2023, we will be running voyages from hubs set up in locations such as Whitehaven, Glasgow, Belfast and Ipswich.
We currently give around 1,000 youngsters a life-changing experience every year. Around 75% of these young people are experiencing some form of social or economic disadvantage and simply wouldn't be able to participate in such an opportunity without financial support. Therefore, we rely on the generosity of our supporters to fund this vital youth development work, enabling us to reach as many young people as possible.
We also run an exhilarating adult sailing programme, including heavy weather training, mile builders, and winter escapes to the Canaries - the proceeds of which directly support our youth programme. Many of our adult voyagers also support our youth development work either shore side, or as volunteer mentors, watch leaders and mates on our youth voyages.
We are so excited to be a part of Cowes Week. To find out more about us, please come and say hello on our stand! There will be opportunities throughout the week to take a tour of one of our Challengers, meet the team and chat to some of our young ambassadors - plus lots more!
If you would like to support us, please head to our website to make a donation. All funds will be gratefully received and will be used to support our vital youth development work. You can also subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on social media to keep up to date with all things TSYT.
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What we do
Life onboard
Voyage testimonials 2022
