Cowes Week Limited is delighted to announce that Tall Ships Youth Trust (TSYT) will be the Official Charity Partner for 2023 and 2024. Founded in 1956, Tall Ships Youth Trust is a youth development outdoor learning charity, that helps to improve the skills and life chances of young people aged 12 to 25, through transformational experiences at sea.
TSYT has a fleet of four 72ft Challenger yachts and a 55ft ketch and sails all year round providing around 1,000 young people from across the country with a life-changing experience. The opportunity enables them to develop life skills, confidence and self-esteem, helping to raise their aspirations and supporting them to make positive life choices.
Laurence Mead, Regatta Director at Cowes Week commented: “As sailors we are aware of how life affirming this great sport is and the opportunity to support Tall Ships Youth Trust, a charity that brings all of the positive attributes of sailing to more young people, is something we at Cowes Week are very pleased to be able to do. There aren’t many better ways to build self-confidence and a sense of self-reliance than sailing, seeing young people get that start in life on board the charity’s yachts is wonderful and we can’t wait to have them join us at Cowes Week 2023. “
Although not for Cowes Week, Girlguiding’s South West England Region (SWER) is offering the chance to Rangers and young leaders to sail on board one of the Challenger Yachts.
Girlguiding South West England have chartered two of the 72ft Challenger racing yachts for a week and are inviting Rangers & Young Leaders from across the Region to come and join in. No sailing experience necessary, just a sense of adventure!
When: 28 August 2023 – 02 September 2023
Where: The yachts will sail from and to Portsmouth Harbour
Contact the Region Office for cost and more details.
Costs include – All food whilst on board, use of safety equipment, waterproofs, life jackets and insurance for the voyage.
Costs not included – Travel to and from the yachts, any on-shore activities during the week and any meals taken on shore during any time in port.
You will get involved in all aspects of sailing the yacht, including stowing and handling sails, helming, working in the gallery (cooking & washing up), and “Happy Hour” (cleaning the ship). Some of the work will be physically demanding so you must be prepared to work hard. You will also appreciate what good team work can achieve. Be under no illusions though, there are no passengers on this trip, everyone is expected to take a full and active part to ensure the smooth running of the yacht. It will not be all work though, you will get free time to explore and relax ashore when in port.
And, for those who already sail Cowes Week Ltd has announced that entries for the World’s longest running regatta are now open for 2023. At 197 years young, Cowes Week remains one of the pre-eminent regattas in the World, and this year the team expect to welcome more than 500 boats racing in 37 different classes.
In this iconic regatta two of the most competitive classes are worlds apart. Organisers are expecting over 30 of the Mark Mills designed Cape 31, a lightweight flyer with an enormous spinnaker, whilst the XOD class will compete for their Captain’s Cup trophy (the most prestigious in their annual calendar), with 50 boats, all of which have smaller spinnakers, but a very dedicated and highly competitive crew.
Cowes week is taking place in 2023 from 29 July – 4 August.