THE Chilterns branch of the Tall Ships Youth Trust is celebrating its 50th anniversary, by organising a special voyage for adults.

The national charity, which usually provides young people with the chance to develop their skills by sailing a tall ship, has around 20 places for adults in the Chilterns area to come onboard.

The package includes a return-flight to Tenerife where the 59-metre brig, Prince William, will be docked in March this year. From the port in Santa Cruz, the tall ship will spend a week sailing around the sunny warm waters of the Canary Islands on an entirely wind-driven itinerary.

Ted Howard-Jones, chairman of the Chilterns branch, said it was a great chance to sail with those who support the work of the Trust and for anyone wishing to find out what Tall Ship sailing is all about.

He added: "Usually these voyages are reserved for young people aged 16 to 25, but anyone with a sense of adventure is welcome. No previous sailing experience is necessary."

The ship will sail with a crew of 60 people and three watches running the ship. There are places for crew members who will all be living and working together.

Mr Howard-Jones emphasised that this was not a cruise. He said the work ranged from the fun-stuff, like climbing the rigging to raise the sails and steering the ship, to the more mundane tasks like spud-peeling. And with no motors or winches in sight, all the rope-pulling is done by hand.

Those who show promise also have the chance to be recommended as a watch leader and invited back as a volunteer on the charity's usual trips for young people.

Mr Howard-Jones said: "It's a real team-building experience regardless of individual ability. Each of the seven Canary Islands has its own particular attributes and they are all beautiful islands. This is one of the best ways to see them."

More than 60,000 young people have sailed with the trust on tall ships over the past 50 years with a many coming from High Wycombe and surrounding areas.

For more information on the voyage, or the Trust in general, call 01491 639311 or email thowardj@currentanalysis.com or visit the website: www.tallships.org.