Tall Ships 2008 - see the news section

In addition to our summer Sailing Programme, which is now rapidly filling with bookings, we are proposing, in conjunction with Glaciere, to take GMC south to the Canary Islands for a winter sailing/diving programme for young people. We will also run a number of voyages for adults in support of our charitable objectives. 

For details of the summer and winter sailing programmes, please contact us at oytnw@aol.com 

Please explore this website (and the Glaciere site at www.glaciere.co.uk ) to find out more about the expanded and exciting range of sailing, diving and training opportunities available 

Volunteer sea staff wishing to sign on for voyages in 2008 please see our SEA STAFF BOOKINGS page on this website.

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A big THANK YOU to Patrick Bell for all his hard work over the last few years.  We realise how much work goes on behind the scenes in the running of the Ocean Youth Trust North West and we are extremely grateful.  We hope you enjoy a long and happy retirement.

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 The Ocean Youth Trust is a consortium of six registered charities covering the UK and Ireland. Each operates one or more sail training vessels, all complying with common codes of practice and the strict requirements of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. The principal objective is to provide young people with an opportunity to experience a new and challenging environment in which they can develop their skills, meet other young people, take part in an adventure and enjoy themselves.

The Ocean Youth Trust North West operates a 76 ft (23 mtrs) steel gaff-rigged ketch called the "Greater Manchester Challenge" (GMC). Voyages usually last between 5 and 7 days during which the vessel visits Irish Sea ports in Anglesey, Ireland, the Isle of Man with occasional voyages to the Scottish Islands and further afield. In addition, whenever possible, GMC takes part in the Tall Ships events. Although GMC's home base is Liverpool, built into the sailing programme each year are alternative ports of embarkation. In line with our Equal Opportunities Policy, we welcome aboard young people irrespective of their ethnic, cultural, social, or financial backgrounds and, within the constraints imposed by the characteristics and layout of GMC, we encourage special needs young people to sail with us as well. Many voyages are sponsored by schools, youth groups, sports clubs, Connexions, Local Authorities and other organisations such as the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.

GMC's complement is 6 professional and volunteer sea staff with 12 young people, referred to as the crew. The crew are expected take part in all aspects of running the boat, from sail setting, steering and navigating, to cooking and cleaning. It can be hard work, but immensely satisfying. For young people, the voyage is frequently a "life changing" experience. Some will become enthusiastic sailors and return to GMC time and again, but all will learn more about their own potential and the rewards of hard work and team effort. Sailing aboard GMC is an approved Educational Activity and may be used for the residential section of the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award.

OYTNW is accredited to deliver Royal Yachting Association (RYA) qualifications, e.g. Competent Crew Certificates.