Eight young carers from Caerphilly County Borough embarked on a transformative five-day sailing journey across the English Channel, culminating in the achievement of a Royal Yachting Association Start Yachting Award. The adventure, facilitated by the Tall Ships Youth Trust, saw the group travel to Portsmouth before setting sail on a Challenger yacht to the Isle of Wight and Alderney.
During the voyage, the young carers actively participated as crew members, learning essential sailing skills such as steering, sail handling, and navigation. They also engaged in anchor and overnight watches, and shared responsibilities for daily tasks like cooking and cleaning. The trip offered unique experiences, including exploring Alderney and Cowes, swimming in the sea, and witnessing a solar eclipse and meteor display from the yacht.
The initiative was a collaborative effort involving Caerphilly Adventures, Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Young Carers team, The Outdoor Partnership, the Reardon Smith Bursary, Freemasons Charity, and the Tall Ships Youth Trust. This partnership supports the council’s Sport and Active Recreation Strategy 2019-2029, which aims to provide diverse and accessible opportunities for residents to engage in physical activities.
Chris Morgan, Cabinet Member for Sport and Leisure, praised the initiative: “This was a fantastic opportunity for the young carers to take on new challenges, build their confidence and enjoy time away from their everyday responsibilities. We are extremely proud of everything they achieved.”
The experience not only equipped the young carers with sailing skills but also fostered confidence, independence, resilience, communication, and teamwork, creating lasting memories
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