‘Mounting financial pressures’ force sailing charity to close

A sailing charity is to close after facing ‘mounting financial pressures’ and struggling to maintain its yacht, which will now transfer to a similar organisation.

Challenge Wales said the financial challenges it faced and maintaining the vessel, Challenge Wales | Wales’ Tall Ship, has meant it has been “difficult” to continue its work in a “sustainable way”.

“After careful consideration the Trustees made the very difficult decision to close the Charity,” it added.

Since launching 16 years ago the charity has helped almost 5,000 young people to learn sailing skills, as well as improve their education of the environment and support their mental health.

The charity said that its vessel will transfer to Tall Ships Youth Trust (TSYT) from next month to safeguard its “sail training legacy for generations of young people in Wales and across the UK”.

Co-founder Vicky Williams added: “I couldn’t have imagined the immense impact Challenge Wales would have – not only for young people but our amazing volunteers too.

“Through sail training, we’ve helped broaden horizons and improve employability, helping young people reach their potential and have a brighter future. Though it is emotional to say farewell, we are incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved.”

Challenge Wales added that transferring to TSYT will help ensure young people in Wales have “access to life changing voyages”.

“We’re thrilled to collaborate with Challenge Wales to build on their extraordinary legacy,” said TSYT chief executive Alastair Floyd.

More than 500 volunteers have been involved with the charity since it launched and they will be offered the change to continue their volunteering with TSYT.

"Challenge Wales has made an astoundingly successful contribution to the delivery of youth work in Wales,” said Paul Glaze, chief executive of Council for Wales of Voluntary Youth Services.

“Turning sailing into invaluable, transformational opportunities for young people has been truly inspirational. Its closure will be felt in Wales, but it leaves a long-lasting legacy”.