Setting sail from Portsmouth Marina, the group waved goodbye to everyday life at Jack Hunt Academy and embraced an adventure that would challenge them physically, mentally and emotionally.

“With bags piled high on the marina and temperatures soaring in the summer sunshine, excitement was high, but none of the crew could have imagined just how memorable the week ahead would become. For every student, it was a first taste of life under sail. Within an hour of stepping aboard their 72-foot Challenger yacht, they were out on the water learning the fundamentals of sailing under the guidance of an experienced Tall Ships crew.”

From operating winches and raising sails to steering the yacht and learning essential safety procedures, students quickly discovered that life at sea demands teamwork, resilience and determination.

Throughout the voyage, the crew rotated between life on deck and running the galley, ensuring everyone experienced every aspect of operating a sailing yacht. Whether preparing meals, washing up in rough seas, navigating the coastline or trimming sails, every task played an important role in keeping the boat running smoothly.

The voyage took the crew to Cowes on the Isle of Wight, Weymouth and Poole before returning to Portsmouth, with each day bringing new challenges and unforgettable moments.

Students learned to read the wind, control the sails, handle ropes and work together to manoeuvre the yacht safely through changing conditions. Along the way they experienced long days under sail, navigated busy waters, and gained confidence by taking on responsibilities many had never imagined possible just days earlier.

One of the week's highlights came during the hottest day of the year, when calm seas allowed the yacht to anchor off the spectacular Jurassic Coast. Students enjoyed the rare opportunity to swim in open water and even leap from the yacht into the sea, an experience few will ever forget.

The final full day proved to be the greatest test. During an 11-hour sail back towards Portsmouth, the students worked alongside the Tall Ships crew to tack repeatedly through the Solent, requiring precise teamwork, communication and resilience. By the end of the voyage, a group of complete beginners had transformed into a confident crew, working together with skill and determination.

While the voyage taught practical sailing skills, its greatest lessons came through personal development. Students built confidence, developed leadership and communication skills, overcame fears and discovered the importance of supporting one another under pressure.

The Tall Ships Youth Trust's Voyage of Exploration is designed to help young people grow through challenge, adventure and teamwork, and the experience once again proved to be life-changing for everyone involved.

Rose Henthorn who accompanied the students, said: “Watching the students grow over just five days has been incredible. They arrived with little or no sailing experience, but quickly developed into a confident team who supported one another through every challenge. They showed resilience, leadership and determination throughout the voyage, and they should all be extremely proud of what they achieved."

Mr Jon Hebblethwaite, Head Teacher of Jack Hunt Academy said: "We are incredibly proud of every student who took part in this year's Tall Ships voyage. Experiences like this develop qualities that simply cannot be taught in the classroom. The confidence, resilience and teamwork they have gained will stay with them for many years to come. Our thanks go to the Tall Ships crew, Tall Ships Youth Trust for making this remarkable opportunity possible."

Mr Howard Nelson, Chief Executive Officer of Keys Academies Trust said: "Supporting these voyages is something we are incredibly proud to do. Every year we see young people return with greater confidence, stronger teamwork skills and memories that will last a lifetime. It's wonderful to know that this year's students have had another inspiring adventure at sea."

Jack Hunt Academy would like to extend its sincere thanks to the Tall Ships Youth Trust, the dedicated skippers, first mates and volunteers.

For the students, Tall Ships 2026 was far more than a sailing trip. It was a week of adventure, challenge, friendship and personal growth, week they will remember for the rest of their lives.