The "Prince William" is a traditional tall ship

This includes taking the helm, climbing the masts, setting the square sails, keeping watch and many other tasks.

Chris Law, the STA's chief executive, said: "The STA has more than 50 years of experience in teaching these skills to young people and exposing adventurous spirits to an environment of challenge and achievement that helps them to recognise their own strengths."

Normally the charity takes 16 to 24-year-olds to sea but this scheme is for women of various ages keen to try something new and different.

'Never sailed'

Vivienne Asher, 53, a housing support worker for young women in Devon, is taking up the challenge.

She said: "I jumped at the chance when I heard they were offering an all-women's voyage.

"I've never sailed in my life but it is never too late to try something new and I know I will enjoy it."

All fees raised from the voyage will be ploughed back into the charity to offer young people the opportunity of a lifetime to sail a tall ship.