Portsmouth-based Tall Ships Youth Trust is ready to thank NHS with four-day voyage for young people

The Tall Ships Youth Trust wants to offer the free UK sailing expedition to young NHS staff along with children of medical staff who work in Portsmouth hospitals. The charity’s chief executive, Richard Leaman, said it was their way of ‘saying thanks’ to the NHS for their efforts in the fight against Covid-19.

Mr Leaman said: ‘We are based in Portsmouth and wanted to do something for our local community. There are a lot of people who want to say thanks to staff at Queen Alexandra and our other hospitals. They’ve done a lot for us during the pandemic and this is a way we can give something back.’

The charity hopes to raise £10,000 through its Crowdfunding page and has said it will add an additional £5,000 to ensure everyone taking part can sail for free. Two groups – one aged 16 to 25 and another aged 12 to 15 – will be spilt across two 72ft challenger yachts which are set to depart Gunwharf Quays on April 5 next year.

Mr Leaman added: ‘All voyages are dependent on wind but we will look to take in the Jurassic Coast stopping at ports including Lymington, Poole and Weymouth along the way.’

Eligible youngsters will be asked to put together a statement outlining why they should take part in the ‘life-changing’ experience.

‘We will also be asking the hospitals to nominate those young people who have gone above and beyond during the pandemic and who they feel will benefit most from the experience,’ said Mr Leaman.

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The Tall Ships Youth Trust normally operates free sailing experiences for disadvantaged children to help develop confidence and personal skills. Sailings were suspended in March but after implementing a Covid-secure plan including plastic partitions and testing of all participants and crew, Mr Leaman hopes voyages can resume soon.

To put plans in place for the NHS voyage the charity hopes to have raised the money by August 31. A range of gifts are available for generous donations including places on future sailings. More information is on the charity’s website.

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