British Classic Week partners with Tall Ships Youth Trust

British Classic Week has announced a partnership with the Tall Ships Youth Trust. As the regatta’s official charity partner for 2021, the Tall Ships Youth Trust will be integrated into all aspects of the week, from sailing to socialising and fundraising.

Organised by the British Classic Yacht Club (BCYC), the 19th edition of British Classic Week will take place in Cowes from 17-24 July 2021. The regatta comprises a six-race series and a varied social programme, welcoming classic yachts from across the UK, Europe and further afield.

The UK’s oldest and largest sail training charity, the Tall Ships Youth Trust, enables young people to fulfil their life potential through adventures at sea. By bringing together crews of different social backgrounds and taking them on residential sailing voyages, the Tall Ships Youth Trust supports young people aged 12-25 from across the UK.

Commodore of BCYC, Jonathan Dyke, comments: “We have huge respect and admiration for the work carried out by the Tall Ships Youth Trust. As a charity that prides itself on being a community at sea and on land, founded on friendships and a love of sailing, the Tall Ships Youth Trust is a natural partner for British Classic Week.

“Young people need our support more than ever right now and as such we are working on ways to fully integrate the charity into British Classic Week. Fundraising will play a key part, complemented by raising awareness. We also hope to get some young people out on the water to give them first-hand experience of a world-class regatta.”

Founded in 1956, the Tall Ships Youth Trust has supported over 120,000 young people, the majority of whom are disadvantaged or disabled. Currently operating with four Challenger yachts and a 55ft ketch, the charity is fundraising to purchase more seagoing capacity.

James Hudson, director of fundraising and marketing at the Tall Ships Youth Trust, says: “We are thrilled and honoured to be selected as the regatta’s official charity partner for 2021. British Classic Week has a vibrant history and is one of the UK’s most exciting and beautiful sailing events. We look forward to working with the event team to raise funds and generate awareness for our vital work with disadvantaged young people who, post-pandemic, need our services like never before.”

Entry for the 2021 British Classic Week opens in April. The racing will be organised by the Royal Yacht Squadron and will include a schedule of varied courses, including the popular NAB Tower race. Criteria for entry is IRC classic yachts of 24ft and over or modern classic, Spirit of Tradition yachts.

Founded in 2001, the BCYC will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2021 and the club will mark the occasion during British Classic Week next year.