A PENARTH based 72 foot yacht has been named UK sail training vessel of the year.

The Challenge Wales charity was given the award by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and the Association of Sail Training Organisations (ASTO) at an industry event in Southampton.

The award is given to a vessel which has fulfilled both the sail training aspirations of ASTO plus the seamanship and safety requirements for the MCA.

The award focuses on good management, safety, high quality sail training, volunteer management, innovations in the types of young people groups jumping aboard, maintenance management and how results are measured.

Challenge Wales provides personal and social development training for young people aged 12-25 years to help them improve their employability skills.

Sail training aims to help young people to improve their teamwork and communication skills, discipline, respect and responsibility as well as developing self-confidence in a challenging and positive environment.

Sir Alan Massey, CEO of the MCA said: "We chose Challenge Wales as this year’s highly deserving winner as the vessel stood out for determination and resourcefulness of everybody involved with her to make a real, safe and lasting difference to the lives of the community in which she operates.

"A fine exemplar of the sail training ethos.

"We in the MCA were particularly impressed by the story of one of her voyage crew, an 18 year old man whose life was given renewed purpose as a result of just a short time with Challenge Wales.

"This was a wonderful example of what can be achieved by experiencing well-managed, caring and professional training out at sea under sail – something that is barely achievable in any other type of activity."

Skipper of Challenge Wales, captain Andy Hall, said: "Winning this award is a fantastic accolade to our volunteers, supporters and staff.

"Over the past eight years the charity has grown and is continuing to grow.

"We continue to work with a variety of young people from those looking for an adventure and to put sail training on their CV to those who are disadvantaged in one of many ways and looking to develop essential life skills to move into employment.

"Sail training is a great leveller, putting everyone on the same platform regardless of who you are and your background."