The voyage by the Tall Ships Youth Trust for 40 young people introduces them to the world of sailing and outdoor learning out on the ocean, paid for by a £10,000 gift from the London Freemasons.
“We create safe but challenging environments at sea,” the youth trust’s chief executive Alastair Floyd said. “They start shaping better futures through this ocean-based programme, developing emotional resilience and growing into leadership roles.”
Opportunities like this can feel completely out of reach in the inner city, the Freemasons point out. The youths face adversity through difficult circumstances or additional needs that too often go unmet — facing life’s barriers that limit their chances compared to those from more privileged environments.
Now the 40 youngsters are to experience a voyage the youth trust says could “change their lives” as their first time away from home, their first time at sea and perhaps the first time they feel seen for who they can become — not just where they come from.
Life on board one of the trust’s 72ft ‘Challenger’ yachts fosters teamwork, communication and emotional resilience as “a voyage into adulthood”.
