Youth Sailing Adventure:
Age 16－19
5 days aboard Hong Kong’s largest training yacht — the Spirit of Outward Bound Hong Kong — to build resilience, leadership and practical seamanship through hands‑on sailing, coastal navigation, watch routines and a participant‑led expedition.
QUICK FACTS
Who is it for?
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Age 16-19
How Long? When?
5 Days 4 Nights
Course Date:
Jun 15-19, 2026 (Click to enrol)
Jul 4-8, 2026 (Click to enrol)
Jul 27-31, 2026 (Click to enrol)
Aug 3-7, 2026 (Click to enrol)
Aug 17-21, 2026 (Click to enrol)
Aug 24-28, 2026 (Click to enrol)
***You are also welcome to form your own group of 12 participants**
Group Size?
12 per group
There will be a professional skipper, a firstmate, and two instructors on board.
Where?
OBHK Tai Mong Tsai (TMT) Base and Hong Kong coastal areas
Accommodation: On board Spirit
How Much?
HKD 8,500
*All meals included.
***Dietary needs and allergies catered for
Certificate?
YES, ofcourse!
COURSE OVERVIEW
The Youth Sailing Adventure is an immersive five‑day, four‑night programme for 16–19‑year‑olds that develops practical seamanship, teamwork and leadership through sustained onboard living and coastal navigation. Aboard the 67‑foot Spirit of Outward Bound Hong Kong, participants rotate through hands‑on modules — sail handling and rigging, coastal chart work and compass navigation, watch routines and onboard safety — then apply their skills by planning and leading a participant‑led two‑day coastal expedition. Days are focused on active skill practice and watch duties; evenings include facilitated debriefs and reflective sessions that turn immediate challenges into lasting personal learning.
This programme places equal emphasis on skill competence and character development. The manual, performance‑oriented nature of Spirit requires physical effort and close cooperation, so participants gain not only technical ability but also responsibility, communication habits and practical leadership through role rotations and team missions. Delivered by OBHK’s qualified, safety‑trained instructors and aligned with AEE best practice, the course prioritises safe, scaffolded progression—preparing young people for future maritime activities, school leadership roles or simply more confident, resilient decision‑making in life.
Who is it for?
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Young people aged 16–19 interested in sailing and team leadership.
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Beginners welcome; also suitable for those with small‑boat experience.
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School groups or individuals seeking practical outdoor skills plus guided personal development.
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No previous Outward Bound experience is required.
Why Outward Bound?
Outward Bound Hong Kong (registered charity since 1970) has helped hundreds of thousands of young people build resilience, confidence and practical life skills through accredited experiential programmes.
Our instructors are AEE‑accredited and safety‑trained, specializing in journey-based development for teenagers.
What will participants experience?
CHALLENGE. REFLECTION.
COACHED FEEDBACK
Participants will board the Spirit of Outward Bound Hong Kong at Tai Mong Tsai base and sail Hong Kong’s protected Sai Kung waters, exploring coastal and marine habitats while rotating through hands‑on sailing modules, a participant‑led expedition, onboard living and shore‑side cultural visits.
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Hands‑on sailing: sail handling, tacking, gybing, sail trim.
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Coastal navigation: chart reading, compass bearings and route planning.
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Watch routines & onboard life: helming, line handling, knots, cooking and boat maintenance.
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Participant‑led 2‑day coastal expedition with planning and leadership rotations.
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Daily debriefs, peer feedback and reflective practice.
Learning Outcomes
Throughout the journey, participants will gain #FutureSkills and measurable personal & interpersonal capabilities through progressive challenge and reflection:
They will develop:
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Practical seamanship and basic coastal navigation competence
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Improved teamwork, communication and responsibility
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Emerging leadership through watch roles and task coordination
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Greater resilience, independence and self‑management
What difference can parents see?
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More confidence on and off the water.
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Better self‑management: packing, routines and responsibility.
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Clearer communication and cooperation with peers.
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Practical evidence of skills: safe line handling, basic helm competence and routine care.
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Safer attitude and awareness of sea safety; talks reflect learning and next steps.
Safety Highlights
1. All sessions run by experienced, qualified, competent full‑time instructors
2.Instructor-to-student ratios:
General land-based, non-technical activities – 1:12
Activities with technical elements – 2:12
3. Comprehensive risk assessments and emergency protocols
4. Robust child safeguarding policies and ongoing staff training
5. Programs aligned with standards from the Outward Bound International network and overseen by an independent External Risk Management Committee, with institutional accreditation from the Association for Experiential Education (AEE).
Medical & Fitness Requirements
1. Submit completed medical form and consent
2. Inform us of allergies, medications, or special needs
3. Basic fitness required (able to join school PE lesson)
READY TO ENROL?
Course Fee: HKD 8,500
What is included?
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All instructor-led sessions
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All equipment
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Accommodation
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All meals
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Local transfers during programme
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Pre‑course briefing for parents/guardians
What to bring?
(For reference only. A full packing list will be provided upon enrolment.)
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Daypack
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Water bottle
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Closed-toe shoes (hiking)
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Spare clothes
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Light rain jacket
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Sun hat
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Swimwear & towel
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Toiletries
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Small torch
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Personal medication (clearly labelled)
Payment Method: Credit card, FPS, bank transfer.
Sponsorship: Eligible for Working Family and Student Financial Assistance
General Refund Policy:
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If for personal/ family circumstances you need to cancel and refund your program, after the deduction of the HKD1,000 administration charge, you can obtain a conditional refund according to the following conditions:
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The remaining balance will be refunded providing written notice is received at least 30 working days prior to program commencement.
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50% of the balance will be refunded for written notice received 20 working days prior to program commencement.
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No refund will be made if written notice of cancellation is received less than 20 working days before program commencement.
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OBHK reserves the right to cancel a program for various reasons. OBHK may also refuse participation in the program at its sole discretion, determines to be incapable of meeting the rigors or requirements for participating in the program:
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o A full refund or an alternative program will be offered. There is no administration charge incurred.
FAQ
Q: How strenuous is the course?
A: Participants will hike and/or kayak for several hours per day with rests. Basic fitness is required, and instructors pace the group according to conditions and ability.
Q: Do participants need to be strong swimmers?
A: No, but they should be comfortable around water. Lifejackets are worn for all water activities and instructors provide close supervision.
Q: What happens in bad weather?
A: Activities adapt to conditions; safety is prioritised. Some sessions may move to alternative land-based options.
Q: Are instructors first-aid trained?
A: Yes — all lead instructors hold current first-aid and water-safety qualifications.
Q: Can my child take medication?
A: Yes — disclose and label medication on the medical form; staff will store/administer as required.
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