The Tall Ships Youth Trust is giving sailors the chance to get the sailing
feel good factor while they enjoy a weekend of sailing in the inaugural Tall
Ships Charity Yacht Regatta, 5 – 6 November, Port Solent, Portsmouth.

For just £100, sailors can race a matched fleet of Sunsail 37s in a series
of races set in the Solent, enjoy the crew party and prize giving
celebration – all the while contributing to charity.

Tim Law, Tall Ships Youth Trust Marketing and Operations Director, said:
“This is the first time we have opted to use a sailing fleet for one of our
events, and so far the response has been tremendous.  While our main aim is
to raise funds to support our core youth work, we anticipate appealing to
quite a diverse range of individuals:   Our supporters who are willing to
swap a Tall Ship for a smaller vessel, as well as other keen sailors who are
looking for some fun racing in the Solent.”

Experienced sailors are welcome to skipper their own Sunfast 37, and
novices – or the highly competitive! – are invited to enlist the help of a
professional Sunsail Skipper.  Yachts will boast a full complement of eight
crewmembers per team, but the event is open to individuals as well.  The
race committee will link up individual crew members to make full teams.

David Swayne, Commodore of West Wittering Sailing Club and a strong
supporter of the Tall Ships, said, “The rivalry will be friendly, but
fierce!  I am looking forward to pitting the seasoned dinghy sailing skills
of the West Wittering team against a bunch of Tall Ship sailors!”

Sally Lancashire (Mersey), Tall ships Youth Trust sailor, replied:  “There
is no contest; our teamwork experience will be our secret weapon that no
team of yachties can overcome.”

The Regatta will be the final event in the Tall Ships Youth Trust October
Fest 2005.  Other events include:

Tall Ship Day Sails, Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth from 30 September – 20
November.  Crew a Tall Ship from Portsmouth or Southampton, experienced and
novice sailors, 18-75, welcome, price from £79.

Tall Ships Big Bash 2005, Saturday, 29 October, Guildhall, Portsmouth – Over
400 crew, friends and volunteers of the Tall Ships Youth Trust will gather
at the Portsmouth Guildhall to celebrate the valued work of volunteers and
achievements of the crew. All supporters welcome, tickets £20.

Tall Ships Open Day, Sunday, 30 October, Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth – See
what life onboard a 60-metre brig is like when you visit them in their home
port.  Meet the Captain, charity volunteers and crew members for first hand
accounts of sailing on Britain’s best known brigs. Guided tours from
11.00am – 4.00pm, adults £3 and under 16s are free.

Brig Match Race in the Solent, Monday, 31 October- Thursday, 3 November –
Choose your brig and set out to claim the Tall Ships Challenge Cup
(currently held by Prince William), requiring true tactical genius, or the
Harbour Entrance Award,  requiring true showmanship (currently held by
Stavros S Niarchos).  Places available from £299 per person.

All funds raised through October Fest 2005 support potentially life changing
Tall Ships experiences for young people.