Students embark on life-changing offshore adventure with Tall Ships Youth Trust
Young people from have recently returned from an unforgettable voyage at sea, taking part in an offshore sailing adventure powered by the Portsmouth-based Tall Ships Youth Trust (TSYT) last month.
The voyage gave ten students - many stepping out of their comfort zones or facing additional challenges at home and school - the opportunity to live and work aboard a 72ft ocean-going yacht.
Supported by generous bursary funding from TSYT, the young crew, from St. Michael’s CE Middle School, Wimborne, Dorset, took on every aspect of life at sea. From helming the yacht, hoisting sails, and navigating night sails from Studland to Cowes, to climbing the mast and cooking meals for a crew of 15, the students developed vital life skills including resilience, teamwork, and independence.
Heather Prest, teacher and Voyage Leader at St. Michael’s CE Middle School, shared the transformative impact the journey had on the students: "Our pupils benefitted enormously from this experience. A significant number of our crew face additional challenges in their lives, and this voyage was an invaluable opportunity to build their confidence and perseverance. They faced real challenges - from managing sea nausea to stepping up into leadership roles and climbing out on the spinnaker pole - and learnt that with teamwork and determination, they can overcome all sorts of challenges. Many parents have already commented on the incredible difference in their children since returning."
Beyond mastering sailing skills, the crew built lasting friendships and learnt lessons they can take forward into their everyday lives and future transitions, such as moving to upper school in September.
Anna Jakob, Youth Development and Outdoor Learning Executive at Tall Ships Youth Trust, said: "We are hugely proud of the crew from St. Michael’s CE Middle School. Stepping aboard one of our vessels requires courage, adaptability, and real teamwork. Seeing these young people grow in confidence, support one another through challenges, and discover what they are truly capable of is at the heart of why TSYT exists. They should be immensely proud of everything they achieved at sea."
Tall Ships Youth Trust is the UK’s leading youth development sail training charity, empowering young people aged 12–25 to unlock their potential through residential voyages at sea.