Our Story

Getting out there since 1978

1978 - Operation Drake
Raleigh has its origins in Operation Drake, which was initiated by HRH Prince Charles and Colonel John Blashford-Snell. Operation Drake was launched to run youth projects from ships circumnavigating the globe. The youths were accompanied by some of the world’s leading scientists, explorers and geographers, with the aim to develop self-confidence and leadership in young people through participation in adventure, scientific exploration and community service. The project, which lasted for 2 years, saw 414 people participate in the round-the-world voyage of the sailing ship ‘Eye of the Wind’, following Sir Francis Drake’s epic route and working on land-based projects in 16 different countries.

1984 - Operation Raleigh
The success of Operation Drake led to the more ambitious Operation Raleigh. Launched with the help of Hull City Council in 1984, the project initially ran for four years, involving two ships, 4,000 volunteers and almost 1,600 staff. The two ships were the ‘Sir Walter Raleigh’ and ‘Zebu’. 

The great ship, Sir Walter Raleigh

HRH Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales 

chatting with Venturers of Operation Raleigh

1992 - Raleigh International 
In 1992, Operation Raleigh changed its name to Raleigh International to reflect the increasing number of volunteers from around the world. The previous successes also led to the creation of permanent land-based expeditions, building Raleigh's position as a unique youth development organisation by widening the diversity of the participants and raising issues of global awareness.

Raleigh today
Today, over 30,000 people have gone on a Raleigh Expedition in over 30 countries, making it a global community of people who want to be all they can be, get out there and make a difference.

Find out more about Raleigh's achievements over the last 25 years by downloading its 25th anniversary brochure