In this Bulletin
Sections which have changed since last time marked *
- * Voyage news
- * Volunteer sea staff – spaces that MUST be filled – can you help?
- * JPS Fuels – West Berkshire bursaries
- * Isle of Wight bursaries
- * 2025 individual voyages available – individual bookings for young people
- * 2025 group voyages available – one last voyage available for a full group booking for young people or adults
- 2025 adult voyages available
- Prolific maintenance days – dates for your diary – help needed
- Chris Ellis Award – win £££s of the price of your next voyage
- Keeping our website up to date – can you help?
- Advice on careers in the marine sector for young people
- * Financial appeal
- Raise funds for OYT South if you’re shopping online – we’ve made over £2,700 through Easyfundraising! Are you aware of the size of donations available?
- Vessel tracking – see where Prolific is sailing
- OYT South social media – please share as well as liking! NB we are now on Bluesky instead of Twitter/X
- New readers’ welcome and introduction
- Receiving this newsletter by email
* Voyage news
The last newsletter ended just as our Amber Foundation crew was leaving the boat. Their feedback included:
“Absolutely brilliant! Wonderful staff, who knew what they were doing and great at teaching/explaining. Incredible food and such great vibes with great people. 100% will do again! Thank you.”
“I had a fantastic time, the crew were brilliant and the feeling of working together to keep the ship going was amazing. I’ll definitely be looking to sail on Prolific again! Most lasting memory: the night sailing, seeing how kind of pitch black it was with just our red lights on, seeing the buoys flashing, it was beautiful.”
“Amazing time, brilliant staff and outstanding ship/experience. Once in a Lifetime. Best bits: seeing the dolphins and going on the bowsprit.”
“I had an amazing time learning how to live and work on a boat. This is something I’d love to do again if the opportunity presents itself.”
“10 out of 10 for the most amazing experience to be able to live and work on a boat for 5 days. Met wonderful people, ate great food and learnt many many new skills and learnt that being on the water isn’t so scary.”
“Had an absolutely fantastic week. I want to thank you all for being such wonderful human beings! Best bit: Helming at night, it was very scary but I did it.”
The next voyage began on Friday night, to make the most of half term, so they only had time for some introductions and briefings that evening. On Saturday they had an early start at 0630 and made their way down Southampton Water:
They were in time to watch the Myth of Malham race start off Cowes:
They then had a very busy day of sail training, up and down the western Solent with an immense amount of tacking and gybing, The crew quickly got the hang of things and worked very hard.
They continued until the tide was high enough to get into Lymington where they had showers and next morning a later start and some time ashore. Then they set off through the Needles:
They went all the way round the south of the isle of Wight in quite breezy and rolly conditions – a good sail with some quality helming from the crew, who managed to keep meal preparations going under way:
They dawdled for a bit near the Nab until there was enough water to get into Chichester harbour, and sunset came as the sails were dropped.
They spent the night at anchor and next day worked on passage planning before sailing to Cowes and running a pilotage plan for the night sail from Cowes back to Ocean Village.
The voyage ended after 145 miles – a lot for a short trip! – and you can see the voyage track here. All the crew earned RYA Start Yachting certificates.
Feedback included:
“Big boats, big winds, big waves. It was so rewarding learning the ins and outs of a yacht … The sea was beautiful and the card games fun, would recommend. Best bit: getting the sails up for the first time when the wind was insane.”
“It was a wonderful time. I considered it an adventure. If I had a choice I’d do it all over again, I wish I could hold onto some of these memories forever.”
“I had such an amazing time on board, spending time sailing, learning & consolidating skills, and having so much fun. Thank you so much!”
“I had a great time, learning new skills and getting to know new people. The experience was incredible :)”
“Excellent experience, made some awesome friends and have never laughed so much before in one trip. Would definitely recommend :)”
“I enjoyed my time on the Prolific so much. I would love to come back as a volunteer one day. The people on board are simply amazing and make it so much fun.”
“Thank you so much for such an amazing experience. I have learnt so much in such a short time and I feel it has really opened the door for me to do more sailing in the future.”
“Wonderful time on board. Learnt many new things and had some really good times sailing around the Isle of Wight.”
“The experience was really fun, met some great people and will definitely be going sailing again :)”
“Thank you so much to all the crew involved, it was an incredible experience which taught me new skills and enhanced my sailing.”
“So fun and I learnt loads. Thank you all so much.”
And from the group leader: “Fantastic few days with wonderful staff & crew – I would highly recommend to every young and old person. Most lasting memory: watching you guys mature and develop on the boat and making friendships, hopefully to last.”
Big thanks to sea staff Andy Viney, Andrew Wilkes, Sara, Anna Owen, Georgie Spence-Jones and special congratulations to Matts Kruger who completed his bosun assessment:
On Wednesday we welcomed another new crew, from Beaulieu Park School in Essex – notable because their head teacher previously sailed with us as a young person and then a watchleader! They began with the usual briefings:
Then they had a late evening sail to Cowes:
Yesterday they had some shore leave and then the ORC and mizzen were prepped as it was a windy day – up to Force 7 – and went out for some sailing practice up and down the eastern Solent.
They also did a man overboard recovery demonstration:
Then they headed into Portsmouth where skipper Gotch successfully accomplished a very challenging manoeuvre to get the boat alongside in a difficult location and tough conditions.
Gotch says this is a lovely crew with plenty of enthusiasm and some excellent accompanying staff. They are aiming for a big sail today but will they get right round the Isle of Wight? More news in the next edition.
Big thanks to sea staff Gotch, Sara, Glyn Collins, Clara Theil, Andrew Page, Chris Threapleton and Will Durham.
* Volunteer sea staff – spaces that MUST be filled – can you help?
Whether or not you already have voyages booked as a volunteer this season, these are the spaces still available – please let us know if you can help with anything. Berths listed for “trainee mates” or “trainee bosuns” MAY be suitable for people who earned new recommendations last year or this year to join our volunteer team, even if you have never sailed in a staff berth before – please ask whether any particular vacancy might be appropriate for you. Dates on this list are when young people are on board – please note that we normally need volunteers the afternoon before, to help get everything ready.
2-6 June, Southampton – qualified or trainee watchleader needed, ideally able to stay for the maintenance day on 7th June
16-21 June, Southampton – qualified or trainee watchleader or bosun
23-28 June, Southampton – qualified watchleader. Ideally able to stay for the maintenance day on 29th June.
12-17 July, Dunkirk to Poole – – qualified or trainee watchleader or bosun
18-23 July, Poole to Brixham – female volunteer needed
23-29 August, Brixham to Poole – qualified or trainee watchleader or bosun
27-30 Sept, Southampton – one or two watchleaders or a bosun (qualified or trainee)
1-5 Oct, Southampton – two watchleaders or a bosun – one must be qualified, the other could be a trainee
6-10 Oct, Southampton – qualified or trainee watchleader or bosun
14-19 Oct, Southampton – qualified or trainee watchleader or bosun
If you are a NEW volunteer who has earned your recommendation on the recent training weekend or on another voyage this year, there may be other options in addition to the list above – please send in details of your availability and we’ll see when we might be able to get you booked to sail.
Contact caroline.white@oytsouth.org if you would be interested in sailing on any of these voyages.
For those who are new to the process, do please remember that if you commit to a voyage booking then we do really need you! Sometimes people assume that with several staff and volunteers on each voyage, it won’t be a problem to drop out; or you may think that if you’re not a qualified volunteer, you are not essential to the voyage. But in practice, we need a certain number of adults on every voyage in order to be able to sail – and you may, for example, be the only female member of sea staff on a voyage which has girls in the crew. It’s quite possible that a voyage can’t go ahead without you, which is why we need to avoid people dropping out and if it is absolutely unavoidable, we need as much notice as possible. It is also why we appreciate you all and the time you give to the charity very much indeed!
Young people aged 16-25 who have sailed with us and earned a recommendation to train as volunteers but who need more experience before taking on the full responsibilities of watchleader or bosun can also apply for funding to join an individual voyage as a crew member, to gain extra time on board and develop their skills.
* JPS Fuels – West Berkshire bursaries
OYT South receives regular support from JPS Fuels, a company run by Jonathan Pinnock who sailed with us some years ago as a teenager and credits sail training with helping him uncover his true talents despite his dyslexia. Over the bank holiday, JPS Fuels had a stand at Yattendon Village Fete where they gave out leaflets about our charitable work:
Thanks to generous sponsorship from JPS Fuels, we have the opportunity to offer a small number of funded places on one of our individual voyages this summer to young people from West Berkshire. Do you know anyone aged 12-25 living in West Berkshire who would love this opportunity but couldn’t afford it without help?
Email caroline.white@oytsouth.org to ask about nominating someone. Only a small number of bursaries available, so don’t delay!
* Isle of Wight bursaries
Thanks to our former Isle of Wight support group, we have some funding available to subsidise voyages for young people aged 12-25 living on the Isle of Wight who would like to take part in one of our individual voyages this summer but couldn’t afford it without help.
Email caroline.white@oytsouth.org to ask about nominating someone. Only a small number of bursaries available, so don’t delay!
* 2025 individual voyages available – individual bookings for young people
Our 2025 programme has plenty of exciting opportunities to join us this year!
Please spread the word!
These are voyages for young people who want to join a voyage as individuals or smaller groups, and mix with others:
30 June – 6 July, Southampton to Le Havre, £735 per person, 6 nights, age 15-25,. Ends with time at a Tall Ships festival – an amazing experience with the fleet! Only 3 places left
6-12 July, Le Havre to Dunkirk, 6 nights, age 15-25, £735 per person plus travel. Tall Ships Race with a festival at either end – the experience of a lifetime. 1 last place left due to a cancellation
18-23 July, Poole to Brixham, 5 nights, age 11-25, £630 per person
24-29 July, Brixham to Brixham, 5 nights, age 11-25, £630 per person
11-15 August, Brixham to Brixham, 4 nights, age 11-16, £525 per person. Aimed at younger crew members and anyone without a passport. A lot of our individual voyages attract keen young sailors, over-18s, people doing the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and people wanting to test themselves with a challenging adventure; and, weather permitting, longer passages such as Channel crossings. But this doesn’t suit everyone! So this voyage has been designated as a shorter coastal voyage and a gentler opportunity, ideal for the younger end of our age range (11-16-year-olds) and passports not required. Ideal for anyone who is unsure about coping with a more ambitious voyage and wants an easier introduction. Only 3 places left
30 Aug – 3 Sept, Poole to Southampton, 4 nights, age 11-25, £525 per person
4-9 Sept, Southampton to Southampton, 5 nights, age 15-25, £630 per person
29 Oct – 2 Nov, Southampton, 4 nights, age 11-25, £545 per person – half term
Email voyageadmin@oytsouth.org to ask about individual bookings.
2025 group voyages available – one last voyage available for a full group booking for young people or adults
Do you know a school or youth club or another organisation which might like an exclusive booking for 12-15 people?
We can also consider the occasional adult voyage if anyone has an idea for an adult group.
One last voyage date available:
15-19 Sept, Southampton, 4 nights, age 11-25 (plus adult leaders if required), 15 places available, £525 per person
Email caroline.white@oytsouth.org to ask about group bookings and funding help if needed.
2025 adult voyages available
We have one remaining voyage for adult individual bookings:
10-12 Oct, Southampton, 2 nights, age range 18+, £265 per person, weekend voyage (Friday evening to Sunday evening)
Prolific maintenance days – dates for your diary – help needed!
We have planned maintenance days this season on the following dates – please put them in your diary and email us if you can help. Skilled and unskilled tasks available – or maybe a chance to learn a new skill. Over-18s only, please.
Saturday 7th June – Southampton
Sunday 29th June – Southampton
Friday 22nd August – Brixham
Monday 13th October– Southampton
Chris Ellis Award – win £££s of the price of your next voyage
Open for 2025 entries.
If you have enjoyed a voyage with OYT South and want to come again (and are aged 11-25), please think about entering for this award. You can win up to £500 off the price of another voyage, by sending in an account of a voyage you have already done with us. It can be a logbook, diary, story, pictures, video – anything which gives the judges an idea of why you had a good time and would like to come again. The prize is judged at the end of each season and the award can be spent on a voyage the following year. Entries should be emailed to webmaster1@oytsouth.org or posted to the office. See here for more details of this award, which was set up in memory of one of the charity’s founders. You can also see some previous winning entries.
Keeping our website up to date – can you help?
OYT South’s website is quite big and has a lot of pages – it’s possible that someone may be looking at a page which none of our staff has re-read for quite a while, or clicking a link we haven’t tried recently. So if you spot any broken links, errors or anything out of date, PLEASE tell us. We can only put things right if we know about them. This is a great way for someone to help us, especially if you can’t easily volunteer on voyages or help with events or maintenance. The odd hour or so in the comfort of your own home, looking through the website (and trying to imagine how it would work for someone new to us) is always very much appreciated! This is an ongoing task, not something that needs to be done on or by a specific date.
Advice on careers in the marine sector for young people
We have created a page on the website for links to a huge variety of careers in the marine sector – at the end of every voyage, there will be a link to this on the back of the voyage certificates given to the young people, to give them ideas about opportunities both afloat and ashore, with options for people with different interests, skills and levels of education, and hopefully including ideas that many will never have considered, alongside the more obvious maritime roles. The page is a work in progress and we are keen to add more links, so if you have any suggestions, please send them in.
* Financial appeal
Huge thanks this week to the Royal Cruising Club for another very generous contribution towards bursaries.
We need a regular flow of funds to cover at least three major areas: bursaries for young people who could not otherwise afford to sail; vessel maintenance and equipment; and staff salaries – please help, or pass on our details to anyone you come across who might make a grant, large or small.
See here for how to make a donation – you can contribute by cheque, bank transfer or PayPal, but please do something if you possibly can. Don’t forget that if you complete and return a Gift Aid form we can claim back tax on your donation.
Raise funds for OYT South if you’re shopping online – we’ve made over £2,700 through Easyfundraising! Are you aware of the size of donations available?
We mention Easyfundraising in the newsletter each week and we’re really grateful to those people who are using it regularly, but there must be people who haven’t looked at it, or often don’t remember to do it.
Here’s what it DOESN’T do:
- Require you to buy from sources you wouldn’t normally use
- Take lots of time
- Ask you to do anything complicated at all!
- Produce donations so small you would barely notice
- Cost you a penny!
You simply have to buy whatever you already planned to buy online, from whoever you choose to shop with – but having signed up with Easyfundraising, just click to accept a donation if it’s offered when you shop. It’s often a percentage, which means the donations can be really significant for bigger items – a holiday, a flight, an expensive train ticket etc. This week we heard from a volunteer who got a £17 donation when renewing their home insurance. Someone else earned nearly £10 from a VistaPrint order. A few donations like that from a hundred supporters and it starts looking like a really significant total each year.
Do tell us if you’ve got a really good donation from something you bought – these stories help to inspire others. Maybe you even order things online for business purposes and your employer would agree to donate to us like this – at no cost to them but a way to feel good every time they need new boxes of business cards or train tickets to get staff to a conference!
It takes a minute or two to sign up to Easyfundraising: you can do it on a desktop, tablet and/or phone, and you can install a widget that flags up when a donation is available. Once that’s done, imagine you’re looking to buy – say – a rainbow unicorn: just put “rainbow unicorn” in your usual search box, and the list of results shows you which sites come with donations, and how much. It’s up to you what to pick and whether to accept the donation from the site, but a huge choice of sites will offer a donation, often including the site you would normally choose to use for all your rainbow unicorn requirements – and it doesn’t cost you anything, you pay the same price you would pay anyway.
PLEASE click the link now and sign up!
We have already raised over £2,700 through Easyfundraising – huge thanks to everyone who has used it!
Vessel tracking – see where Prolific is sailing
Vessel tracking has been switched on again for the season – you can always have a look and see what we’re up to. This site updates every six hours so don’t worry if the vessel doesn’t appear to be moving! There are other sites (like Marine Traffic) which update more often; but especially for families of a young person on board, the tracking on our site allows you to have a look two or three times a day and see what’s going on.
OYT South social media – please share as well as liking! NB we are now on Bluesky instead of Twitter/X
If you look at the top left of any page on our website, you can click on icons for Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn. We are also on TikTok.
We have now updated the social media links on our website, replacing Twitter/X with Bluesky – please come and join us there!
Please share our social media posts as widely as you can – with the help of all our supporters, this charity is doing some amazing work and we need more people to hear about it. You don’t need to do anything more than share a post, or perhaps add a comment which could be as simple as “I’ve sailed with this charity!” or “I volunteer for this charity!”.
Please note that OYT South has a policy that our adult staff and volunteers should not make or accept personal online connections with crew members aged under 18, or vulnerable adults. Crew members can use the sites to stay in touch with the boat and with each other, but not with individual staff and volunteers.
New readers’ welcome and introduction
If you have recently registered your interest in OYT South, welcome to our newsletter, which is sent out almost every week, normally on a Friday, and is also copied onto the website.
If you have just started receiving this newsletter by email, it is because we believe you have signed up and consented to receive it – perhaps by emailing us to ask for it, completing a form on our website, or adding your email address to the book on board where people can sign up to receive news, as well as leaving comments. If this was a mistake or you simply decide you want to stop receiving the newsletter, just press “reply” to the email and write UNSUBSCRIBE at the top, or email webmaster1@oytsouth.org asking to unsubscribe.
Each week the newsletter includes a wide range of news from the boat and from the charity, including details of voyages available for young people; adult voyages; opportunities for adult volunteers both ashore and afloat, and much more. We find that while some people read the bulletin almost every week, many others dip in and out, and read it when it’s convenient – which is why some items are repeated. New items are marked with an asterisk * so that if you did read it last week, you can see which sections you can safely skip.
Please feel free to join in any OYT South activities – nothing here is restricted to long-standing members or people who already know one another. New people are always very welcome!
If you need an introduction to the work of OYT South, you should find a lot of useful information on our website. But essentially, we are a registered charity (no. 1079959) which exists to offer adventure under sail as a personal development opportunity for young people aged 11-25, from the widest possible range of backgrounds. A high proportion of our young crew members are disadvantaged or deserving in some way: many of these sail in groups organised by other charities, youth clubs, special schools and so on, and will fill the bulk of our term-time voyages. But those from more fortunate backgrounds are also welcome to sail, either in groups or by coming as individuals on a mixed voyage. Every year we run a variety of shorter local voyages plus longer adventure trips – sometimes including Tall Ships races during the summer holidays. If you are aged 11-25 and hoping to sail as a crew member, take a look here – and this section is also useful for adults who are thinking of organising a voyage for a young person. Adults planning to organise a full group voyage should also see here. Adults who want to sail themselves should see here.
We have a professional staff skipper, mate and engineer, but our watch leaders are normally all volunteers, who combine sailing skills with an interest in working with young people. You can find more information here – how the system works, how to join, and profiles of existing staff and volunteers.
To volunteer for OYT South ashore, please see here. To help with the vessel’s annual refit, see here.
It is a very expensive business maintaining a boat, running an office and employing staff. If you want to help us, please become a member of OYT South. Or see here for information on making a donation.
If you have any questions, please do email – or contact the office.
Receiving this newsletter by email
Many thanks to all those who have given consent to receiving this newsletter by email. If you are not currently getting it by email and would like to, please just click here Newsletter Subscribe and press “send”, or email webmaster1@oytsouth.org.