A group of Sixth Form pupils are about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime as they join the crews of the Tall Ships Youth Trust for voyages in the English Channel and the Atlantic.

Over the half term holiday, Alun Walker, Rhodri Wooltorton and Liam Bridge will be part of the crew on the Stavros S Niarchos. Their voyage will depart from Tenerife and conclude in Gran Canaria. At the same time, Ellen Gowans, Chris Rees and Jess Tait will be part of the crew of one of the Tall Ships Youth Trust's Challenger Fleet - considered to be the equivalent of the F1 of sailing - for a 6 day voyage around the Canary Islands. Hannah Meinertzhagen will be aboard another Challenger Yacht which will be undertaking a 6 day voyage around the English Channel.

The Tall Ships Youth Trust owns a magnificent 60 metre square-rigged ship, four 22 metre Challenger Yachts - the Challenger Fleet and a 19 metre Catamaran - Tall Ships Cat. The Fleet is operated by Tall Ships Ltd., one of the charity's subsidiaries, and works 12 months of the year both around the UK and abroad, offering Adventure Sailing Voyages.

Peter Gilby in 2008

There is no finer sight than a fully rigged square ship and the Trust's ship, Stavros S Niarchos is one of the world's most magnificent brigs. The Tall Ships Challenger Fleet comprises of four 72 ft 'round the world' Challenger yachts which have been purpose-built for sail training and coastal adventures. Carrying up to a crew of 18, these impressive yachts are spacious above deck and below. They have a large cockpit, sturdy decks and a state of the art navigational suite, providing the perfect environment for the ultimate Challenger Adventure.

In October 2008, last year's Head of School George Bethell was joined by fellow Sixth Formers Ryan Ward and Peter Gilbey in what they described was 'an experience of a lifetime'.

These opportunities have come about due to the work of The Christ College Foundation. Director of the Christ College Foundation Steve Maggs said: "We are extremely grateful to the Tall Ships Youth Trust for their on-going commitment and support. This follows on from voyages in 2007 and 2008 when eleven of our pupils took part in voyages around the south coast and the Canary Islands. This is an incredible opportunity for anyone who wants to experience adventures, develop teamwork and leadership skills, and forge lifelong friendships."

These voyages will count towards the 'expedition' element as our intrepid pupils work towards achieving their Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

Below are a selection of images from previous voyages involving Christ College pupils.