Cape Horners sailing Bursary breeds Fastnet ambitions
by Barry Pickthall for IACH 16 Jul 2025 11:28 BST
TSYT Leadership young people, accompanied by Skipper Matt Stiles, and First Mate Giles Ferrier with Archie Fairley (Chairman IACH) and Peter Waring (Bursary Coord IACH) © International Association of Cape Horners
The International Association of Cape Horners (IACH) Bursary Scheme has again successfully supported a group of young people, aged between 16 and 19, to take part in another challenging voyage run by the Tall Ships Youth Trust (TSYT) from their base in Portsmouth.
This voyage was the conclusion of a series of TSYT awareness and empowerment voyages that have qualified them to take part in this final Leadership challenge.
Archie Fairley (IACH Chairman) and Peter Waring (IACH Bursary) attended their end of voyage debriefing in Portsmouth aboard their TSYT Challenger 72 yacht. It was clear from the young crew's responses that all had gained enormously in confidence, communication, teamwork, understanding of leadership and not least their sailing skills.
The IACH as an organization, protects and honours what others have endured and achieved and encourage present and future generations of sailors to aspire to this. Five of the crew of eight were so energized and excited by their experiences they are now focused on further training and their ambition is to qualify for the next Fastnet Race in 2027!
In addition, all are now inspired to continue their newly found passion for offshore sailing.
From small seeds great oaks grow. As do CAPE HORNERS!