Young women sail to Holland

Forty eight young women have sailed across the North Sea in a seven-day voyage chartered by Girlguiding North East England.

The all-female crew travelled from Hartlepool to the port of Scheveningen in Holland, finishing at Portsmouth Harbour, on board four Challenger racing yachts.

During the seven-day challenge, participants stepped outside of their comfort zone to learn skills including navigation, night sailing, preparing the deck and setting sails, whilst improving their self-confidence and team-working abilities. 

‘After sailing with the Tall Ships I’ve realised that I love a new adventure and am up for anything,’ said Laura Phillips, 15, from Anglesey.

‘I would do it all over again and I want to go on many more trips like this again,’ she added, describing her voyage highlights as ‘meeting new people, sailing at night time, watching the stars, sunsets and sunrises’.

Claire Pearson, 26, a County Outdoor Activities Advisor from North Yorkshire, also loved her week on the yacht. ‘It was a fantastic experience with an amazing group of young women. Climbing the 90ft mast at the end with the Spinniker Tower alongside us was a brilliant end to an unforgettable week,’ she enthused.

The crews were met at the end of the trip by Chief Guide Gill Slocombe, Girlguiding South West England Chief Commissioner Solange Rebours and Chief Commissioner for Girlguiding North East England Hilary Cooper.

The Challenger yachts are owned by the Tall Ships Youth Trust, who co-ordinated the trip on behalf of the Association.