The UK’s premier classic yacht regatta, British Classic Week, has announced the launch of a fundraising campaign for its charity partner Tall Ships Youth Trust.
The UK’s oldest and largest sail training charity, Tall Ships Youth Trust, enables young people to fulfil their life potential through adventures at sea. By bringing together crews of different social backgrounds and taking them on residential sailing voyages, Tall Ships Youth Trust supports young people aged 12-25 from across the UK.
Organised by the British Classic Yacht Club (BCYC), the 20th edition of British Classic Week will take place in Cowes from 16th – 23rd July 2022. The regatta comprises a six-race series and a varied social programme, welcoming classic yachts from across the UK, Europe and further afield.
Commodore of BCYC, Jonathan Dyke, commented, “Whether it’s due to circumstance, an accident, or mental health, Tall Ships Youth Trust instigates a step change for young people when they are most in need. We are calling on British Classic Week attendees and classic yacht enthusiasts to donate to this invaluable charity and help support their life-changing sailing voyages.”
Participants can donate via British Classic Week’s dedicated JustGiving page before, during and after the regatta. Donations can also be made throughout the regatta week using the charity’s contactless payment machines and by taking part in the prize-giving dinner fundraising activities.
James Hudson, Director of Fundraising and Marketing at Tall Ships Youth Trust, said: “We’re proud and delighted to once again be selected as the regatta’s official charity partner for 2022. This year looks to be particularly exciting as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of British Classic Week and welcome the return of classic yachts from overseas.
“TSYT team members and our youth ambassadors, will be on-hand throughout the week to raise awareness of our vital youth development work and to raise funds to support even more young people from across the country who have been disadvantaged in some way.”
Founded in 1956, Tall Ships Youth Trust has supported over 120,000 young people, the majority of whom are disadvantaged or disabled. Currently operating with four Challenger yachts and a 55ft ketch, the charity is fundraising to purchase more seagoing capacity.
When asked how Tall Ships Youth Trust changed his life after he suffered a haemorrhagic stroke as a teenager, charity ambassador Will said, “Things were grim, my whole life changed. Everyone was stressing and I was told there was so many things I wouldn’t be able to do, swim, cycle and even worse, sail. I was devastated!
“I’m often judged on my diagnosis rather than my ability. But Tall Ships Youth Trust heard me and after working with my medical team, they took a chance. This was life changing.”
Above: TSYT ambassador Will
Entry for the 20th British Classic Week is now open. The racing will be organised by the Royal Yacht Squadron and will include a schedule of varied courses across a six-race series.
Criteria for entry is IRC classic yachts of 24ft and over or modern classic, Spirit of Tradition yachts. Classic cruising yachts and motor boats are also welcome to join the week.
