Tall Ships Experiences

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Tall ships sailing involves teamwork, adventure and strength of character. This is why the UK-based Tall Ships Youth Trust sails the Prince William and Stavros S Niarchos around the world for 16 to 25 year olds to crew in open ocean and in tall ships races. The 60m, traditionally square-rigged ships are spectacular and offer 48 positions to be crewed by the young and intrepid. No sailing experience is required, just a willingness to play a part of a team and a thirst for adventure. As well as sailing around the UK and Europe, the ships travel to the Caribbean and some of the world's most beautiful sailing spots. The opportunities for racing got better in 2007 with the entrance into the Great North American Challenge, a tall ships race series with legs in South Carolina, Virginia, Rhode Island and Nova Scotia and taking in breathtaking ports in such as Charleston.

2007 also saw the first ever tall ships Fastnet race and match racing in Torbay where both brigs took each other on in a spectacle of incredible sailing between two time-old ship designs. Trips can be as short as a couple of days up to weeks at sea and those taking part will need to be good team members and learn to take part in setting sails, helming and keeping a proper look-out.

There is also the chance to gain your Royal Yachting Association's Competent Crew Certificate.

www.tallships.org.

4 / 5 Review by expert member Jane Ferguson