Join the first voyage of discovery on an ocean-going Challenger yacht sailing around the Cape Verde Islands off the west coast of Africa this winter with Tall Ships Adventures (023 9283 2055 www.tallships.org).

This new destination joins the Azores, Madeira and the Canaries as the base for warm weather activity sailing holidays on board 72-foot Challenger race yachts or traditional 200-foot square-rigged tall ship, Stavros S Niarchos.

They are featured in the new Tall Ships Adventures 2009/10 Winter Voyage programme. Voyages to these islands, which are available from December through to March 2010, cost from just �399 per person for 7-night sails including training and full board. Note connecting return flights are extra.

Winter choices also include: � Offshore sailing: For a real sense of adventure and a chance to tackle the elements in the Atlantic Ocean or Bay or Biscay there are several long distance sails. They include 16 night voyages next spring on either the brig or a Challenger yacht sailing from the Azores to Southampton and Portsmouth. Both cost �599pp � Taster trips: In the UK, budding sailors can take their first steps into yachting on day sails (�89pp) and short taster voyages (from �99pp) � Academy sails: The Tall Ships Youth Trust is the UK�s largest single provider of the RYA Competent Crew Certificates. These can be obtained on a choice of Academy sails for adults and young people operating out of Portsmouth � from �199pp for 4-nights � This autumn: Before the boats head south for winter sunshine there are autumn sails off the south coast. For example in November join 4-night sails from Southampton and Portsmouth on the Tall Ship or Challenger Yachts sailing to London (�269pp)

As indicated above, all sails include training and full board but do not include flight connections. Sails are open to sailors and non sailors with four age categories: 14-15, 16-25, 18-65 and 18-75.

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Media inquiries - and to find out about journalist facilities for sails on the Challenger yachts or Tall Ship � Call Kristy Bowers at Tall Ships Adventures on 023 9283 2055 or Paul Ovington at Direct Public Relations on 020 7407 6884