Gone Sailing - 50 Years of Riding the Waves

50 Years of Riding the Waves

Set sail and head for the open seas on a magnificent Tall Ship

The Tall Ships Youth Trust is a registered charity dedicated to the personal development of young people aged 16 to 25 through the crewing of Tall Ships. Founded in 1956, this year it celebrates its 50th anniversary and its position as the world's oldest and largest sail-training organisation. To date, the Trust's ships have sailed 1.5 million nautical miles with over 65,000 trainees on board.

Over 4,000 trainees will sail on its two ships, Stavros S Niarchos and Prince William this year. Each voyage of 48 trainees is managed by 6 qualified permanent crew and 12 experienced volunteer crew with professionally qualified teachers and youth workers joining youth voyages - a new and pioneering approach to sail training. There are 60 Tall Ships Youth Trust local support groups across the UK, recruiting a broad cross-section of young people and fundraising to subsidise the cost of their voyages.

But it's not just about the youngsters. If you're dreaming of escaping the dull and dreary winter for a spot of winter sun and always wanted to sail the seven seas like Jack Sparrow or Long John Silver then an adventure on a tall ship could be the holiday for you. Tall Ships Adventures gives holidaymakers the opportunity to set sail on an epic voyage, manning a magnificent 60 metre-rigged ship in stunning locations like the Azores, the Canaries and the Caribbean.

For restless souls the experience provides a perfect way to meet friends, take in some beautiful scenery but most importantly learn how to power and direct one of these majestic ships. During a typical voyage, everyone gets involved in sailing the ship: you'll learn how to set the sails, handle the ropes, take the helm, keep a proper lookout and be involved in all the other varied tasks that keep a Tall Ship sailing.

For more information visit www.tallships.org

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