Challenge Wales Charity to Close But Legacy Secured

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After more than 16 transformative years inspiring young lives at sea, Penarth-based charity, Challenge Wales will close its doors at the end of September. The legacy though of the charity will live on as its Challenge 72 yacht Challenge Wales | Wales’ Tall Ship will transfer to Tall Ships Youth Trust (TSYT) safeguarding its sail training legacy for generations of young people in Wales and across the UK.

Challenge Wales, an award-winning charity, has empowered almost 5,000 young people through outdoor learning at sea, environmental stewardship, education and improving mental health. Working tirelessly with predominantly disadvantaged young people to raise aspirations, reduce inequality and to lead social inclusion through access to sail training opportunities helping young people to reach their potential.

Faced with mounting financial pressures and the challenge of maintaining an iconic vessel, the Charity has found it difficult to continue its work in a sustainable way. After careful consideration the Trustees made the very difficult decision to close the Charity.

Andy Hall (Co-Founder and Skipper from 2009 – 2022) and Vicky Williams (Co-Founder), had never intended to run or grow an outdoor youth-focussed charity dedicating thousands of hours to the cause. Vicky says: “I couldn’t have imagined the immense impact Challenge Wales would have – not only for young people but our amazing volunteers too. Through sail training, we’ve helped broaden horizons and improve employability, helping young people reach their potential and have a brighter future.  Though it is emotional to say farewell, we are incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved.”

College students sailing on Challenge Wales

In keeping with the Charity’s commitment to its mission to support young people in personal development, the Charity is excited to announce that its vessel Challenge Wales will transfer into the ownership of the Tall Ships Youth Trust (TSYT) on 1st October.

Tall Ships Youth Trust, a well-established youth development and outdoor learning charity already operates four Challenge 72 vessels. Over the next few years, TSYT aims to significantly increase the number of young people it supports. The transfer of Challenge Wales to their fleet will boost their capacity and secure the legacy of giving young people across Wales access to life-changing voyages. Wales will continue to play a vital role as a regional hub within TSYT’s national network.

Alastair Floyd, CEO of Tall Ships Youth Trust commented: “We’re thrilled to collaborate with Challenge Wales to build on their extraordinary legacy. From October 2025, the Challenge Wales vessel will join our fleet and we are excited to provide youth development on the ocean through our three-voyage journey of Exploration, Empowerment and Leadership delivered over many weeks of voyaging from Wales from 2026.”

Helen Phillips, Chair of the Board of Trustees at Challenge Wales adds: “We’re extremely proud of the impact the Challenge Wales has had but the recent years have been extremely challenging. Our work is unique in Wales, and the Trustees felt it was vital to find the best way to continue supporting young people in relating their potential whilst building on the Charity’s legacy”.


Finally, Paul Glaze, CEO of CWVYS (Council for Wales of Voluntary Youth Services) commented: Challenge Wales has made an astoundingly successful contribution to the delivery of youth work in Wales. Turning sailing into invaluable, transformational opportunities for young people has been truly inspirational. Its closure will be felt in Wales, but it leaves a long-lasting legacy”.

Challenge Wales created a unique volunteer community with over 500 volunteers getting involved over the years. A volunteer pathway has been set up enabling Challenge Wales volunteers to continue their volunteering with Tall Ships Youth Trust.

Together, Challenge Wales and Tall Ships Youth Trust are ensuring a lasting legacy – protecting the past, sustaining the present, and creating new opportunities for the future.

Read the full joint statement.

Come and join Challenge Wales for her final sailing trip from Penarth to Gosport. This is an adult only voyage and will be the last opportunity to sail her under the Challenge Wales banner!
Leg 1: Penarth – Plymouth 19th – 24th September – £475
Leg 2: Plymouth – Gosport 25th – 29th September – £475
Double up and do both legs: Penarth – Gosport 19th – 29th September -£795
Suitable for solo travellers, couples of small groups, no sailing experience required but a great milebuilder if you are looking for your next sailing qualification. To read more about the itinerary click here and to book call 029 20 704657 or email reservations@challengewales.org

Adventure Wales sail training boat sailing in the Bristol Channel

The Impact of Adventure Wales

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Working with over 1,000 people and delivering almost 150 voyages from 1 to 10 days the award-winning sail training vessel Adventure Wales is now starting a new adventure with new owners.

In response to the challenges after Covid paralleled with increased funding difficulties in the sector, the Challenge Wales charity made the strategic decision to streamline its operations, moving from a two boat charity to a single boat operating model. Going forward the charity will continue deliving its life-changing outdoor learning programme at sea exclusively onboard Challenge Wales | Wales’ Tall Ship.

Easier to sail than the larger boat Challenge Wales, Adventure Wales brought together diverse young people whose paths wouldn’t have crossed working with neurodivergent individuals, young carers, those with mental health issues, graduates and more. The charity’s outdoor learning programme on Adventure Wales saw young people move into employment, start volunteering in their community, become more confident and improve their mental health.

As the Challenge Wales charity navigates difficult times with funding and the cost of living crisis and balancing increased demand for its funded services, the transition allows the charity to focus its resources on sustaining and growing its impact ensuring young people continue to benefit from its unique sailing experiences.

We wish Adventure Wales bon voyage on her new sailing adventures with her new owners.

Read the Adventure Wales Impact Infographic
Read the Adventure Wales Diversity Case Study

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Your Vote Matters – Empower Young Lives in March with a Click!

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Can you help Challenge Wales in the My Favourite Voucher Codes Charity Poll, that is running throughout March 2025. It’s free to enter and could help change a young person’s life.

[Edit 1st April] – Thank you to everyone who voted for us, we came second place which wasn’t enough to secure the funding but to be fair there were four amazing charities doing really important work that were vying for everyone’s votes!

The sea, a vast and powerful force, has long been a catalyst for transformation. At Challenge Wales, we harness this power to equip young individuals with vital life skills, fostering resilience, teamwork, and self-discovery. In March 2025, YOU have the unique opportunity to amplify our impact by participating in the My Favourite Voucher Codes monthly charity poll. Your vote will directly contribute to our mission of providing life-changing outdoor learning experiences at sea.

Understanding My Favourite Voucher Codes: A Partnership for Positive Change

My Favourite Voucher Codes operates as a conduit between consumers and charitable causes. Beyond its function as a provider of discount codes and online savings, the platform demonstrates a commendable commitment to social responsibility. Each month, 20% of their profits is donated to a charity, determined by a public vote.

Each month, visitors to the site get to choose between 4 nominated charities, and vote for the one they want to see win the donation. At the end of the month, the charity with the most votes, wins!

This month, March 2025, Challenge Wales are hoping to be the next good cause to win the MFVC charity poll. But Challenge Wales can’t do this without you!

The Transformative Impact of Your Vote: Investing in Future Generations

Challenge Wales is not merely about sailing; it is about cultivating essential life skills within a challenging and immersive environment. Our activities are designed to address the specific needs of young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, who often lack access to transformative experiences and opportunities. Through sailing we foster teamwork and communication skills, develop leadership skills, improve mental health and wellbeing, resilience and improve self-confidence and self-esteem. The predominantly volunteer-run charity helps young people develop their employability skills, brings STEM subjects and Ocean Literacy to life enabling them to reach their potential and have a brighter future.

The funds secured through the My Favourite Voucher Codes poll will contribute towards:

  • Operating the Challenge Wales sail training vessel, enabling more young people to have the opportunity to have a life-enhancing experience
  • Helping make activities more accessible through the Challenge Wales bursary fund

How to Cast Your Vote: A Simple and Accessible Process

Participating in the My Favourite Voucher Codes charity poll is a straightforward and accessible process – it’s free and you don’t have to sign up to anything either. During the month of March 2025, please follow these steps:

  1. Head to the Website: Visit the My Favourite Voucher Codes website at https://www.myfavouritevouchercodes.co.uk/.
  2. Locate the Charity Poll: Identify the charity poll section, this will appear on the right hand side of the page or at the bottom of the page. If using your phone to vote you may have to scroll down to the bottom of the page.
  3. Select Challenge Wales: Find Challenge Wales within the list of participating charities.
  4. Cast Your Vote: Click the designated vote button adjacent to our charity’s name ‘Challenge Wales’.

This simple action will contribute to our potential to secure vital funding. It is important to remember that voting is completely free, and no purchase or sign up is needed.

A Call to Action: Your Vote Matters

Your vote represents a tangible investment in the future of young people. By participating in the My Favourite Voucher Codes charity poll in March 2025 and voting for Challenge Wales you are directly contributing to our mission of empowering young individuals through transformative outdoor learning experiences. Visit https://www.myfavouritevouchercodes.co.uk/ in March 2025 and cast your vote for Challenge Wales.

A Message of Gratitude: Sailing Towards a Brighter Future

We extend our sincere gratitude for your support. Your commitment to our mission enables us to provide life-changing opportunities for young people, fostering a brighter future for individuals and communities alike. Together, we can harness the power of the sea to create lasting positive change.

Tall Ships Races; An Epic Summer Adventure

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Challenge Wales is taking part in the Tall Ships Races Series, sailing around 1,200 miles and crewed by young people aged 16 – 25 years.

Before the Tall Ships Races started proper, we had a small group of young people join us for our Falmouth Mini Voyage which took us from Falmouth to Plymouth and back, and who then experienced the frivolities of the crew parade, took part in the inter-crew sports and had the opportunity to climb one of the traditional square riggers in port.

Team Challenge Wales after the crew parade!

Leg 1 of the Tall Ships Races was to take Challenge Wales from Falmouth to Acoruna, across the Bay of Biscay and after we said goodbye to those who joined us on our mini voyage, we said Ahoy and gave a big Welsh Challenge Wales welcome to our new group of young people; individuals from different parts of the UK and overseas.

Storm Betty and lots of fog hampered the start of the race, although it gave the Challenge Wales team and other participants an extra day of training and getting used to living on a boat, but the race started a day later.

The race was a virtual start (now starting on 19th August), which meant Challenge Wales had a few hours to cross the start line. That first day was a bit bumpy thanks to the remnants of the storm but in the middle of the night the wind dropped, which although was welcomed by some of the crew didn’t help our speed in the race!

The Tall Ships Races is an amazing youth event bringing people together from all over the world, and it isn’t just about sailing, it is about the whole experience and being close to the natural world. After the first day was over, we asked those onboard what was the favourite things they’ve seen; seeing dolphins topped the list but was closely followed by “seeing the bioluminescence at night where the water would glow before the dolphins break the surface” while others were amazed at how bright the shooting stars were.

Our second night at sea, saw Challenge Wales becalmed at 0300hrs and got overtaken by another vessel in the race, but the wind made an appearance at 0800hrs this morning so we are second in Class C/D with quite a few of the boats still way behind us.

Challenge Wales is the orange boat in the race

You can follow the progress of Challenge Wales and the Tall Ships fleet here.

Where is the Tall Ships Race heading to and can I still jump onboard?
Yes, you can still be part of this event and jump onboard! Challenge Wales is currently racing from Falmouth to Acoruna (Spain). The next leg starts Acoruna (26th August) and finishes in Lisbon (2nd September) and is a Cruise in Company which involves sailing with the fleet and visiting a couple more ports. The final race is Lisbon (2nd September) to Cadiz (9th September), a short race where the Tall Ships event will finish. Challenge Wales is sailing from Cadiz to Cardiff, via A Coruna for her homeward bound voyage (join Cadiz 9th September and arrive in Cardiff for 22nd September) and this return leg gives you access to the Tall Ships event and involves being part of the farewell Parade of Sail. There are a few berths available on each voyage. Voyages up until 9th September are for young people aged 16 – 25 years. The trip from Cadiz to Cardiff is for 18 – 75 year olds and is suited for those with some sailing experience and ideal for those working towards their Day Skipper, already have their Day Skipper are wanting to build their sailing skills and get some sea miles under their belt. To enquire email the Challenge Wales office. Check out the Tall Ships Races and Information Pack here. To make this voyage as accessible as possible bursaries may be available for any of the voyages if you are aged under 26 years.

Half Marathon Fundraising

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Challenge Wales Trustee, Vicky Williams, is brushing off her running shoes and fundraising on Sunday 2nd October in the Cardiff Half Marathon to raise funds for Challenge Wales.

COVID has reduced the number of voyages operating this year and with the cost of living increases, Challenge Wales knows that it is going to need to raise more funds to enable more people to tap into its bursary scheme. The bursary scheme enables young people to have some of their voyage fees paid for them making access to Challenge Wales’ services easier.

“The impact of Challenge Wales’ activities has literally turned lives around” said Vicky. “One of our case studies is Jimmy: Jimmy went on a 5 day voyage with Challenge Wales. At the time he was struggling with drug addiction, no motivation and hanging around with the wrong people. During the 5 day voyage a huge change was seen in Jimmy. The voyage allowed him to escape negativity and with the supportive, positive, crew helping him to achieve. Jimmy said on the last day of his voyage he wanted to turn his life around. In the last 12 months Jimmy has now done that. He has moved away from drugs, he has cut out negativity in his life and volunteers to help the homeless. Jimmy came back to Challenge Wales for a 1 day voyage (14 months after his first voyage) to show the Challenge Wales crew how much he changed since his first voyage and show the impact of sail training. Jimmy thanked the Challenge Wales team for giving him a second chance.”

Anyone wishing to donate to Challenge Wales, and sponsor Vicky, can visit the JustGiving page here. And, if you are on the Cardiff Half Marathon course, keep your eye out for Vicky and give her and all the other runners a cheer and a wave.

More case studies on the impact of sail training on Challenge Wales can be found here.

There’s FUN in our FUNdraising

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It was a day of fundraising on the water as Challenge Wales joined no fewer than 1,116 boats that had entered the iconic Round the Island Race.

A Race, around the Isle of Wight, that started in 1931 with just 25 boats, it has now become one of the largest yacht races in the world and a fantastic spectacle to watch from the water or the land.

Round the Island Race brings in much needed funds into the Challenge Wales charity and while adults onboard, who have paid for a berth, are having fun racing, by racing they are actually supporting young people to come on board for our youth development activities, which takes learning outside the classroom and out to sea, as all profits go to directly support the Challenge Wales charity.

For some it was their first time racing but the teamwork, communication, leadership, resilience and comraderie that is required in a race is exactly what is needed onboard Challenge Wales when sailing with young people. Throw in whatever the weather is going to bring and a sprinkle of fun and jumping onboard our boat, into sometimes the unknown, becomes a fantastic, memorable experience.

Challenge Wales was racing against two other Challenge 72’s and beat them across the finish line, being the 35th boat in the race to finish and finishing in a time of 6 hours 31 minutes and 31 seconds, one of her quickest times.

Challenge Wales is no stranger to racing as although she raced around the world twice, her youth work activities take her overseas Tall Ships Racing where she is crewed by 16 – 25 year olds as well as Small Ships Racing in the UK.

Of those onboard were four young people, aged 18 – 25, who were part of the team, all of whom had sailed before on Challenge Wales on previous one day or longer residential voyages.

With COVID restrictions stopping us taking part in this event in 2020 and 2021 it is a big thank you to everyone who jumped onboard to make Round the Island Race a special one for us!

To check out some of the highlights from the day (and Challenge Wales does make a couple of appearances) check out the highlights video here.

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If you are interested in joining us for an adult voyage, corporate activity or you are wanting to learn more about our youth work and young persons outdoor education programme then visit www.challengewales.org

Students learning navigation on Challenge Wales

Youth Work Week 2022

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This year’s Youth Work Week theme is Wellbeing. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the youth work sector; innovation, achievements and resilience while focusing on the 5 steps to wellbeing.

Evidence from NHS and Mind shows there are 5 steps to wellbeing; Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning and Give. And Challenge Wales’ innovative youth work programme, its sail training programme which takes young people to sea, naturally encompasses these.

During Youth Work Week we are working with young people at sea who are sailing Challenge Wales from Cardiff, around Lands End, to Gosport and then racing with over 1,000 boats in one of the most iconic events in the nautical calendar. It’s a challenge, but one of the best opportunities to learn teamwork skills, resilience, communication, develop confidence, have fun while meeting different people.

So how do our activities link in with the 5 steps to wellbeing?

CONNECT: Social relationships and being valued are so important for people’s wellbeing. In sail training you will be speaking to new people, you will be connecting with your friends, our volunteers (who are informal youth workers) will be asking how you are getting on and, working as part of a team onboard gives you that sense of belonging.

BE ACTIVE: Regular activity is associated with reducing depression and anxiety across all age groups. Chemical changes in your brain can positively change your mood while doing exercise. Although we will be sailing on a boat, you will be winching and hoisting sails, moving around the boat and using different muscles to keep you balanced. Having some downtime in the evening onboard means a nice stroll to explore a new port, and getting those steps in. Sail training gives you a good workout in the outdoors.

Young people hoisting a sail on a tall ship

TAKE NOTICE: Being in the present moment can help your mental wellbeing. Take notice of your thoughts, your feelings, your body and the world around you. When out at sea you will have time to sit and reflect, to relax and talk to appreciate the salt spray on your skin and breathing the fresh air. You will be keeping a look out while on board so being aware of what is around you is important.

LEARN: Our amazing volunteer crew are there to help you learn and that will happen from the moment you step onboard. From learning about sea safety, to learning how to put up sails. Learning about ocean literacy, plankton and microplastics to learning nautical terminology. Evidence shows learning a new skill can boost confidence and self esteem while helping you to connect with your fellow crew mates.

GIVE: Small acts of kindness can help your mental wellbeing. While our volunteers are donating their time to crew a sail training voyage, those taking part in the voyage will all play their part. Helping to tidy up, helping to wash up, helping to look after each other. Our boats sail best when we have a very happy crew so looking after each other is key.

Happy Youth Work Week everyone.

If you’re interested in jumping onboard Challenge Wales or Adventure Wales to improve your mental health and wellbeing, connect to the ocean, make new friends, learn a new skill or hone an old one then get in touch by calling 029 20 704657 or emailing the Challenge Wales office.

Young people winching onboard Challenge Wales yacht

Boat Camp Is Back

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Following the success of our first Boat Camp in 2021, we’ve launched another date for Boat Camp for those that are a little bit older aged 16 -25 years.

Although most young people jump on Challenge Wales or Adventure Wales boats as part of a group, we know that being part of a group isn’t possible for everyone and that was when Boat Camp was realised.

The next Boat Camp is Thursday 14th April and is a full day on the sail training vessel Adventure Wales. No sailing experience is required to take part and all waterproofs and equipment is provided.

Those onboard might be interested in trying something new, improving their social skills or learning new activities as part of a team. The day voyage is great for those looking to put something on their CV and highlight those important soft skills, while others are looking to just have a day on the water with like-minded people. The activities onboard help people understand more about ocean literacy, are evidenced to improve mental health and wellbeing and give young people an opportunity to learn more about having a career at sea and future opportunities. Our experienced crew will be there to help everyone get the most out of the day and support them.

The full cost for the day is £95 but a guaranteed bursary is available to reduce the cost to £50. Should a participant require further financial assistance then an additional bursary of £20 is available which reduces the full cost to just £30. Fundraising has made the bursary possible, but if someone doesn’t require a bursary then they can pay what they can afford (between £30 and £95) and the bursary not utilised will go towards helping someone else to come onboard.

To book a place, please email the Challenge Wales office or call 029 20 704657.

Download the Boat Camp poster here!

Picture of young person on the helm of sailing yacht Challenge Wales

Free Drop-In Event in Cardiff Bay

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Join Challenge Wales and other activity providers at a free drop-in event, 3pm – 7pm on Tuesday 7th September at Cardiff Bay Yacht Club.

The event is open to young people, teachers, group leaders and community groups to highlight the sailing opportunities that are available in Cardiff Bay.

The aim of the event is to get more young people on the water and as well as being able to jump onboard for a free tour of Challenge Wales, there are other opportunities to have a taster sail on the bay with the teams from Cardiff Watersports Centre and Cardiff Bay Yacht Club.

There is also the opportunity to speak to the Challenge Wales Team and other watersports providers to learn how sailing helps with young people’s mental health, develops their life-skills to help their confidence and employability prospects, how sailing links in with STEM learning and how to get started in sailing.

Whether you have an hour free to have a go or just 10 minutes to drop in and learn more, the Challenge Wales Team would love to see you as well as the other partners supporting the event.

This event is being supported by RYA Cymru Wales (The National Governing Body of sailing in Wales), All-Afloat (The leading Welsh charity supporting opportunities to get young people into sailing), Cardiff Bay Yacht Club (who are hosting the event and providing taster sailing sessions), Cardiff Watersports Centre (owned by Cardiff Harbour Authority and deliver boating opportunities in the Bay) as well as Challenge Wales (who provide accredited learning and life-skills development opportunities as well as volunteering, sailing and adventures at sea).

The free event is being held at Cardiff Bay Yacht Club, Ferry Road, Cardiff, CF11 0JL. Free parking is available. Although you don’t need to register, if you do plan on attending it is helpful if you let us know you are coming by emailing Phil.tilley@All-afloat.wales

Run For Us In The Virtual London Marathon

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Are you ready to take on the virtual Virgin Money London Marathon for #TeamChallengeWales and by doing so support more young people to participate in our life-changing youth development programme?

The London Marathon is one of the most iconic running events in the world and now it’s your turn to be part of its history.

When: Sunday 3rd October 2021
Where: Anywhere
Start / Finish of event: 00:00hrs – 23:59:59hrs (BST)

This year the Virgin Money London Marathon is set to be the world’s largest marathon with 100,000 participants. 50,000 taking part on the streets of London (in the traditional London Marathon from Blackheath to the Mall) and 50,000 taking part around the world in the virtual London Marathon.

You can join us on the course of your choice; round your neighbourhood, through Cardiff, Plymouth or Aberdeen, it’s your choice, it’s your course. You will have almost 24 hours to run, walk or jog the 26.2 miles which makes the virtual Virgin London Marathon really achievable for all abilities.

Registration Fee: £20
Sponsorship Pledge: £200

The Sponsorship Pledge is the minimum amount of sponsorship (not including Gift Aid) we would like our virtual London Marathon runners, joggers and walkers to aim to achieve although it can be more than this.

To help you achieve the distance, the London Marathon app will help you bring the virtual experience to life, with an exclusive audio commentary featuring famous voices!

How to sign up and be part of #TeamChallengeWales
If you would like to join #TeamChallengeWales and be part of the Virtual London Marathon then please APPLY HERE.
We will then be in touch to advise how to pay your registration fee and then we will help you set up your fundraising page for donations. Please note we have 5 virtual places for the 2021 London Marathon and runners need to be registered by 16:00hrs 16th July 2021
We will then promote your fundraising page on our social media channels and website to help you raise even more! It’s that simple.

If you would like to speak to us about a virtual place then please email the office.

If you’ve got your own place in the Virgin Money London Marathon why not run for Challenge Wales?

How money raised will help disadvantaged young people?
Challenge Wales is a predominantly volunteer-run charity that works with disadvantage young people enabling them to develop their life skills to improve their potential and prospects in life. Our activities at sea onboard our two sail training vessels develop teamwork skills, communication skills, improve self-confidence and improve mental health. Skills that are necessary to help young people move into work, education or training. Your donations and sponsorship will enable Challenge Wales to continue its programme of voyages and work with more young people who need focus and direction and opportunities to help them to succeed. To find out more, why not read some of our case studies.