Our team

Sailing for the first time with TSYT at age 14 was a life changing experience for me. The seven-day Challenger yacht voyage provided me with a brand-new confidence in myself, that I had never experienced before.

For the first time, I was pushed to my personal limit and discovered I could achieve much more than I ever imagined. I was never a sporty child, but by sailing with TSYT, I found a whole new activity, which stimulated me mentally, and made me want to challenge myself physically.

I began volunteering with TSYT at the age of 16 and was hooked, I would spend 13+ weeks a year volunteering. I received a high level of training and support from the staff at TSYT and always felt welcomed in Portsmouth, whenever I arrived for a voyage.

I travelled abroad on my own for the first time with TSYT, discovered ports all over the UK and Europe and completed my first Trans-Atlantic crossing at the age of 18.

When I was 17, TSYT helped me to map out a career plan in sailing, the organisation sponsored me to apply for financial funding from Trinity House and with this, I was able to complete all of my sailing qualifications including the RYA Ocean Yachtmaster!

My first job in sailing was in a refit period with TSYT and it kickstarted my passion for yacht building and engineering. I knew the day I went on my first TSYT voyage that one day I wanted to be a Skipper and that TSYT were instrumental in helping that dream come true.

Today, I have the privilege of working at Outward Bound Hong Kong, as Head of Sailing, managing sailing, refits, expeditions and working with disadvantaged young people from all over Hong Kong. Everytime I get onboard to start a voyage I do it with the confidence I gained when I first sailed with the TSYT, proud to share my journey and inspire other young people and women in sailing. ​​

I grew up around different types of boats and have been sailing ever since I was 10! I got involved with Tall Ships Youth Trust (TSYT) when I was a teenager and after my first voyage, I was asked to return as a volunteer Watch Leader.

I then took a year out before I went to university and in that year, I took part in the Clipper Round the World Race. Having experienced this, I knew that a career in sailing was for me.

I continued to volunteer with Tall Ships Youth Trust and in 2019, I was awarded bursary funding from the Association of Sail Training Organisations (ASTO) and Trinity House, which enabled me to gain RYA Qualifications and work my way through the ranks to become a freelance Mate, and now a Skipper!

My work is now split between being a Mate and a Skipper on TSYT’s four Challenger yachts and I love it so much! Once you’ve got the sailing bug, you really can’t get rid of it. Each voyage I take part in is unique, from the people onboard to the places we go and every single one is a different adventure to look forward to!

I’m very grateful to TSYT for supporting me over the years and allowing me to turn my passion for sailing into a career at sea!

As a child I sailed small dinghies and was an active member of the Sea Cadets. I’d heard of the Royal Navy, but not the Merchant Navy. However, this all changed when my employer sponsored my first voyage from Oban to Hartlepool onboard the Sir Winston Churchill in 1995. From the first moment of stepping onboard, I was hooked! I was invited back to sail as a Watch Leader and as I did more trips, I met more people with Merchant Navy backgrounds and started to investigate a career at sea.

I commenced my deck officer cadetship in 2000, sponsored by Maritime London and was fortunate enough to get a placement with the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) during this cadetship. This was a real turning point for my career and following qualification as an officer of the watch, I secured a role with BAS as a Third Officer. I had an amazing 10 years working for BAS, conducting science operations and resupplying Antarctic research bases. BAS also funded me through my Chief Officer and Master Mariners certification.

Having seen and experienced the life of the staff working on the bases, I was keen to try and find an opportunity to live and work ashore in the Antarctic for a few years. My maritime skills and qualifications were the perfect fit for the role of Government Officer on the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia. The role included the duties of Harbour Master, Fisheries Officer, customs, postmaster, and everything else involved in helping run a small, remote island.

After three years I returned to sea, having secured the role of Captain onboard the royal research ship, Discovery. At the time, the vessel was only 18 months old, and was the most technologically advanced research ship in the UK. In my four years of command, I took the ship as far north as Greenland and as far south as South Georgia. We carried out a full spectrum of science and I had the pleasure of sailing with some fascinating people from a range of scientific backgrounds.

Then, 20 years after starting my seagoing career, I decided to move away from deep sea and focus on gaining more of a work-life balance. After two years working for Red Funnel and Wight Link on their ferries, the opportunity to work as Harbour Master in the Falklands arose. I know the Falklands well from my time with BAS, so the job was the perfect fit.

Please tell us a bit about yourself

I’m a Scottish Kiwi, having grown up in Glasgow then spent 20 years in the Royal Marines and Royal Air Force. My son (19) and my daughter (17) are essentially Kiwis as we spent 12 years living there when I left the military in 2005. I’ve worked in the commercial and charity sectors in Australasia and the UK.

I love the outdoors and spend my time trying to stay upright on my paddleboard and fat biking on the beach on the Sussex coast.

Please tell us a bit about your role at Tall Ships Youth Trust?

I’m the Chief Executive Officer, which means I have day-to-day responsibility for delivering the right experience for our young people, to enable them to reach their full life potential through our sailing voyages. I’m also responsible for engaging our donors, partners and supporters, to ensure that we have the right support to deliver our mission.

My role is varied and exciting. One day I’ll be on one of our vessels listening to the crew and young people. Then the next I’ll be in London engaging donors to showcase our work and the impact of their donations.

We’re all part of one crew here at Tall Ships Youth Trust and we all contribute to keep the ship moving forward to — change lives at sea for young people.

What has been your most memorable moment?

Day one, I was on our vessels, meeting our crew and young people about to head out on their first voyage. The excitement and nervous energy were palpable. It’s such a unique environment to challenge and develop teamwork, communications, resilience and self-confidence.

What is one thing you think people should know about Tall Ships Youth Trust?

We rely 100% on donations and support from individuals and organisations, so we work very hard to engage and showcase the impact of every level of support.

Please describe your job in three words

Exciting. Varied. Fulfilling.

If you were famous, what would you be famous for?

I’ve always considered myself a parenting guru, but my son and daughter would tell you otherwise!

Please tell us a bit about yourself

I’ve always lived in Portsmouth and have been at Tall Ships Youth Trust since 2009. I’ve been married for more than 30 years and have two grown-up sons and two lovely granddaughters.

I’m very family orientated and I’m fanatical about playing golf and watching football. I’m also in the Freemasons with Chas (but don’t tell anyone!).

Please tell us a bit about your role at Tall Ships

My role is the Finance Director and I report to the CEO.

It’s a very busy department covering finance, IT and HR with constant deadlines to meet.

I am responsible for financial accounting and annual reports, regulatory compliance and reporting, management/financial information, including budgeting and forecasting, cash and cashflow management.

What has been your most memorable moment at Tall Ships?

There have been so many! But probably going out on a day sail with the staff and getting to know them better.

What is one thing you think people should know about Tall Ships?

All the staff are totally dedicated to providing the best experience possible for young people. That’s really true.

Please describe your job in three words

Challenging. Frenetic. Rewarding.

If you were famous, what would you be famous for?

Maybe could have been a footballer but they said I wasn’t tall enough though! Can you believe that?

Please tell us a bit about yourself

I love life on, in and under the water, and I’m always out and about walking, camping and travelling!

I’ve worked in schools for 17 years, primarily as a Geography teacher but also outdoor learning, house staff and most recently senior leadership, responsible for curriculum and progress.

I’m very family focused, not forgetting our four-legged family member Charlie, who you’re likely to see from time to time in the Portsmouth Hub!

I like to take on a daft challenge every so often, which now means I jump in the sea (by choice) throughout the year and complete running challenges like hellrunner and half-marathons for fun (apparently).

Please tell us a bit about your role at Tall Ships Youth Trust

In this new position as Director of Youth Development and Outdoor Learning and TSYT, my role is to develop opportunities for our young people and members to build their skills and enhance their experience.

I’ll be looking to really drive that social change and personal development for our young people, and to create life-changing opportunities in a sailing environment.

What has been your most memorable moment at Tall Ships Youth Trust?

I first sailed with TSYT when Sir Winston Churchill (Schooner vessel, previously owned by TSYT) still graced our horizons and my uncle introduced me to the world of sailing! He sailed with me as our Watch Officer, an amazing memory we shared!

I’ve had so many amazing memories of sailing onboard different vessels over the years, from Sir Winston Churchill to Stavros S Niarchos and now the Challengers… I’m not sure I can pick just one!

What is one thing you think people should know about Tall Ships Youth Trust?

Sailing is the tool, youth development is the goal!

Please describe your job in three words

Exciting, open, dream

If you were famous, what would you be famous for?

Best square sail stow on my own – Quoting Barry Martin!

Please tell us a bit about yourself

Outside of work I enjoy raising a family, sailing and a variety of crafts.

Please tell us a bit about your role at Tall Ships Youth Trust

My role is to manage the vessels and their operation.

Areas of responsibility include: sea staff, maintenance, certification, budgets and operational planning.

What has been your most memorable moment at Tall Ships Youth Trust?

Every day!

What is one thing you think people should know about Tall Ships Youth Trust?

The amazing opportunity we are able to offer to young people to expand their horizons while onboard one of our vessels.

Please describe your job in three words

Varied

Challenging

Rewarding

If you were famous, what would you be famous for?

Detailed spreadsheets using many colours and formulas.

Please tell us a bit about yourself

I joined TSYT in 2012 as a fundraiser, having previously worked in marketing.

I have two sons and a springer spaniel and when not at work, I love spending time with my family. We particularly like going to Devon and Cornwall as much as we can.

Please tell us a bit about your role at Tall Ships Youth Trust

I am the Fundraising Manager at TSYT. I have a focus on Trusts and Foundations but oversee all areas of fundraising at the Trust.

The role is very full-on! However, it is all worthwhile when you see the impact our voyages have on the young people we support.

What has been your most memorable moment at Tall Ships Youth Trust?

There have been a few… hearing the success stories of young people keeps me motivated though.

What is one thing you think people should know about Tall Ships Youth Trust?

Everyone at Tall Ships Youth Trust – the team at the hub, the TSYT sailing crew, our wonderful volunteers and supporters – is striving to achieve the same goal – to provide young people with genuinely life-changing opportunities at sea.

Please describe your job in three words

Challenging. Engrossing. Rewarding.

If you were famous, what would you be famous for?

Are you saying you don’t know who I am?!

Please tell us a bit about yourself

I have been working for Tall Ships Youth Trust since 2007. I first joined as Reservations Clerk, moving onto the role of Fleet Administration Officer in 2018, and now I am the Voyage Resourcing and Reservations Manager.

Before TSYT, I worked at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and I have a HND in Travel and Tourism Management.

I live in Portsmouth with my husband and two children. When I am not working, I spend time with my family and do my ‘mum’ jobs.

Please tell us a bit about your role at Tall Ships Youth Trust

My current role involves making sure that we have sufficient, suitable and appropriately trained crew on our voyages with the support of our Fleet Readiness and Maintenance Manager.

I also manage the Reservations Team, and am responsible for the budget management of crew costs.

Lastly, I work closely with the Head of Operations to ensure that our voyages operate to the required standards.

What has been your most memorable moment at Tall Ships Youth Trust?

My funniest moment was seeing a colleague talk with a doughnut half in her mouth. In all seriousness the best moment was speaking to Santo’s mum once he won the David Godwin award, to hear how proud she was and how much Tall Ships Youth Trust has changed his life brings a tear to your eye.

What is one thing you think people should know about Tall Ships Youth Trust?

These voyages really do improve young people’s lives and their perception of their life to come.

Please describe your role in three words

Varied

Enjoyable

Eventful

If you were famous, what would you be famous for?

I am famous; I had my photo in the Daily Mail wearing a West Brom Shirt!

Please tell us a bit about yourself

I was born in Ipswich and lived in Reading in my younger years, before moving abroad to live in Brussels and Paris.

I then moved back to Cardiff to complete a degree in Product Design and to learn how to fend for myself. Once completing my degree, I yearned to go travelling and see the world, though I had always sailed as a boy on the east coast it was from Gosport my adventure began.

I joined a fleet of large yachts as a nipper (2^nd mate), from there my first voyage was down to the Canaries and across the Atlantic to the Caribbean. Alongside my adventure, I worked through all the RYA qualifications to become a freelance skipper. Having spent years involved in many races and corporate events, I was ready for something different.

I’ve now been a Skipper with Tall ships Youth Trust since July 2011 and can happily say it’s been the most rewarding and fulfilling role I’ve done.

When I am not working I spend as much time as I can with my family, normally on a boat! I also like to keep fit or ride my motorbike.

Please tell us a bit about your role at Tall Ships Youth Trust

As a Skipper I’m brought in to offer an amazing experience onboard our fleet, be it along the coast or across the Atlantic. My role is to inspire and encourage everyone to work together as a crew to create something that is unforgettable.

What has been your most memorable moment at Tall Ships Youth Trust?

There have been so many moments that it’s hard to pick one. With so many young people coming through and literally changing their lives as the voyage goes on, from conquering fears of heights, fears of water, seeing things for the first time like the sea, beach and dolphins or leaning domestic life skills.

One of those moments was when I sailed with a group of young offenders of which one had been arrested the day before the voyage, by the end of day one, I saw this young person open his eyes to the world to what he could achieve and by the end of the week it was my privilege to offer him an award for his outstanding work and effort during the voyage. Better than this, was the feedback we received from the young person and his family and how he had chosen to go back to school to improve his life and that of his mum’s.

What is one thing you think people should know about Tall Ships Youth Trust?

Tall ships Youth Trust is a big family of which everyone is warmly welcomed into and supported through their individual journey. From voyage crew and volunteers to Mates, Skippers and shoreside support, up to the CEO — all clearly have a passion and drive to make a difference to as many young people as possible.

Please describe your job in three words

Fulfilling

Journey

Investment

If you were famous, what would you be famous for?

I am famous, the amazing acrobatic MONKEY!

Please tell us a bit about yourself

I was born in Romania, and moved to the UK in 2017. Since I was a kid I wanted to work in the tourism industry so, I did my BSc in Economy of Domestic and International Tourism and my MA in Tourism and Business Administration.

My first job was during my work experience in US when I worked as an Assistant Manager for a travel agent for a small Romanian tour-operator followed by three crazy years as a B2B Account Manager for BlueAir and finally here.

In my free time I love to cook and travel around and discover new places (my favourites so far are the New Forest and The Three Cups in Stockbridge).

Please tell us a bit about your role at Tall Ships Youth Trust

I have recently stepped into the new adventurous role of Growth and Retention Executive, after four years of enjoyment in the Reservations Team.

My aim is to increase our reach and engage with different groups around the country to make sure that as many young people as possible can benefit from our life-changing voyages.

I have the privilege of meeting and interacting with exciting people everyday and I feel lucky to be part of such a great community.

What has been your most memorable moment at Tall Ships Youth Trust?

Every ‘Thank you’ letter we receive is memorable.

What is one thing you think people should know about Tall Ships Youth Trust?

That the voyages are not just about relaxing moments and a little bit of work (as I thought) but are also about developing young people and adults – communication, friendship, leadership and teamwork skills, and helping them regain their self-confidence and self-esteem.

They are actually changing people’s lives.

Please describe your job in three words

Exciting

Motivational

Challenging

If you were famous, what would you be famous for?

For my Crêpe 🙂 ​

Please tell us a bit about yourself

I fell in love with sailing, and the ocean in 2017, when I first stepped on board an ocean-going yacht.

While I loved teaching English in Switzerland, I realised that being on a boat is a much more effective for the kind of learning I am passionate about.

When volunteering at sea in the holidays became not enough, I made a professional move both into TSYT and into the UK early 2023 – a dream come true!

I love having deep meaningful conversations with people and making life easier for those around me, be that by providing food, a simplified process, smoother communication or a hug.

Please tell us a bit about your role at Tall Ships Youth Trust

I work in the Youth Development and Outdoor Learning (YDOL) Team, both in the Portsmouth Hub and on the water.

In the Hub, I coordinate with group leaders to find a voyage appropriate to their intended outcomes. In the YDOL team, we structure and guide TSYT’s youth development and outdoor learning programme, including regularly connecting with sailing staff.

As a Mate (and now Skipper) on board, I get to interact directly with everybody, the young people, their group leaders, sailing staff, and I’m privileged to be in a position where I’m directly involved in shaping the experience that they have on board. 

What has been your most memorable moment at Tall Ships Youth Trust?

Please don’t make me choose!

Night navigation in the Forth of Clyde, with the realisation that while others would say they’re “cold, wet and miserable”, I would say I’m “cold, wet and ridiculously happy”.

Every time a young person says at the end of the voyage something along the lines of “I didn’t think I could do it, but I did.

“From now on, I will try even the hard things, as I might be able to do them!”

What is one thing you think people should know about Tall Ships Youth Trust?

It has the potential to change your life, if you engage fully with it!

Please describe your job in three words

Varied

Surprising

Gratifying

If you were famous, what would you be famous for?

Listening and understanding.​

Please tell us a bit about yourself

I’m an escaped primary school teacher and started sailing in my early thirties. Having realised that I had been at school for 30 years (since I was four), I took a belated gap year and ran away to sea, ending up working as a cook and hostess on a Swan 51 charter yacht in the Caribbean. When I came back I heard that TSYT had bought four Challenge 72 yachts and were looking for volunteer cooks. I did my first voyage in February 2008 and was hooked. I passed my TSYT Skipper assessment after the Fastnet Race in 2011 (cook to Skipper in three and a half years!) and, in 2014, I gave up teaching to become a freelance skipper with TSYT. In March 2023 I was taken on in a dual onshore/offshore role as Skipper and Youth Development and Outdoor Learning Lead (Offshore) to develop TSYT’s three-voyage programme on the water. I don’t have very much spare time, but yoga, walking, reading and sleeping feature quite highly when I do. I still love cooking, but sadly I don’t get to do it so much on boats anymore.

Please tell us a bit about your role at Tall Ships Youth Trust

The role of a Youth Development Skipper is a very diverse one. You might find me making hot chocolate for 12 year olds and tucking them into their sleeping bags on the foredeck to look at the stars, or teaching a race crew how to get maximum speed out of their sail trim. No two trips are alike, no two groups are alike and it’s never, ever boring. At the Portsmouth Hub, I’m to be found working on voyage plans, youth development activities, staff training, producing resources and generally doing my best to make what we do on the water with young people as fantastic (dare I say empowering?!) as it can be.

What has been your most memorable moment at Tall Ships Youth Trust?

All voyages have memorable moments – judging a bake off between three 13 year old boys from a Pupil Referral Unit and trying to eat cake with no hands, crossing the ARC  finish line in Rodney Bay, St Lucia, after skippering my first transatlantic, watching dolphins play in the phosphorescence in the bow wave in the final stages of the Fastnet Race when everybody was knackered and a bit down, seeing someone who first sailed with us as a 14 year old trainee now succeeding in a very prestigious job in the sailing industry…shall I go on?

What is one thing you think people should know about Tall Ships Youth Trust?

It’s a family. Once you voyage with us, you’re part of a community that works together, supports each other and laughs together.

Please describe your job in three words

Awesome

Inspirational

Exhilarating

If you were famous, what would you be famous for?

Being the benign dictator of the non-democratic Geary republic and getting the world properly organised! My Indonesian-style beef curry is pretty famous, too.

Please tell us a bit about yourself

I have been sailing since before I could tie my shoelaces. Unfortunately, my knots have not massively improved since then.

After discovering that boats were for me, I embarked on a quest to find a boat I could stand up inside! This, along with a love of teaching and sail training of course is what led me to Tall Ships Youth Trust, where I couldn’t be happier.

Please tell us a bit about your role at Tall Ships Youth Trust

As Mate and Fleet Bosun, I am always busy with something.

You may find me teaching navigation at the chart table or overseeing a sail hoist. I could be fixing a sink or playing a very intense game of UNO!

I love every second, no matter what I’m up to. 

What has been your most memorable moment at Tall Ships Youth Trust?

I will always remember crashing through the waves in the Irish Sea and getting completely soaked when changing a sail. The crew all loved it and were laughing and singing throughout.

What is one thing you think people should know about Tall Ships Youth Trust?

Do you think you’re too old or too young to sail with TSYT?

Well, think again!

If you’re still unsure after thinking again, I’m pleased to let you know that TSYT offers trips for those from age 12 all the way up to age 80!

Sailing is for everyone!

Please describe your job in three words

YAAR!

Seadog!

Varied

If you were famous, what would you be famous for?

A collection of stories for children primarily featuring a pirate who is there by mistake. ​

Please tell us a bit about yourself

I’m a Mate here at TSYT and one of three Fleet Bosuns.

I’ve been sailing since 2018, originally as a young person on a voyage, and have been involved in sail training ever since.

Please tell us a bit about your role at Tall Ships Youth Trust

As a Mate I’m responsible for teaching young people how to do everything on board. From how to put sails up and down, to carrying out regular engine checks!

As Bosun, I help maintain our fleet. Every day is different but most days I can be found servicing one of the engines or crawling around in the bilge! 

What has been your most memorable moment at Tall Ships Youth Trust?

One of my favourite memories at TSYT is soaring up the Irish Sea with a group of Trainee Watch Leaders.

What is one thing you think people should know about Tall Ships Youth Trust?

What we do at TSYT is like nothing else, the impact our voyages have on young people’s lives is truly limitless.

Please describe your job in three words

Varied

Exciting

Rewarding

If you were famous, what would you be famous for?

I think being famous for sailing round the world would be amazing!! Our Challengers already are! ​

Please tell us a bit about yourself

I started working at Tall Ships Youth Trust in April 2023, after a short career break to spend more time with my young children. Before that, I worked in various fundraising and event roles for more than 10 years, and I have a degree in Fashion Journalism.

When I’m not at work I love spending time with my family and our crazy cocker spaniel pup Nala. I love travelling and if I ever have the time, I like to do a spot of yoga.

Please tell us a bit about your role at Tall Ships Youth Trust?

I’m the Individual Giving and Membership Lead at TSYT, my role is to help inspire people to support our important cause, sharing stories and updates with donors, running appeals and supporting donors on their journey. Whether they are planning on running a marathon, organising their own fundraising event, or becoming a TSYT member – I help them every step of the way.

What has been your most memorable moment?

I’m very new, so I haven’t had the chance to meet our young people yet – but so far, my most memorable moment is having a tour of one of our Challengers, it really helped bring to life the incredible experience the young people have out at sea and how life changing it must be for them.

What is one thing you think people should know about Tall Ships Youth Trust?

Everyone who works here is truly passionate about what they do and the cause, there is a lovely inclusive culture, and the voyages really do change the lives of young people in such a positive way.

Please describe your job in three words

Busy, challenging, fun!

If you were famous, what would you be famous for?

In another life a West End star!

Please tell us a bit about yourself

I’ve worked in the charity sector for most of my career, with experience in most areas of fundraising. Prior to this I worked in marketing. I love feeling like my job is making a difference. I’m also a coach and love helping others reach their potential through that too.

I have a lovely nursery-aged daughter, who keeps me busy. Alongside work and family time, we are refurbishing our house ourselves, which is a big task including moving walls! We also have a vintage campervan we are doing up retro style. Lot’s on our plate – but really looking forward to family trips away once the projects are complete.

Please tell us a bit about your role at Tall Ships Youth Trust?

My role as Philanthropy Lead involves working with individuals who are making a significant contribution to TSYT, including Trustees, Development Leads and Major Donors. It’s lovely helping these individuals improve the lives of our young beneficiaries.

What has been your most memorable moment?

It’s very rewarding having a donor tell me how amazing the charity is and the impact they’ve seen for themselves that we have on young lives. The passion of our supporters is inspiring.

What is one thing you think people should know about Tall Ships Youth Trust?

We are a small but very motivated and hardworking team.

Please describe your job in three words

Listening

Engaging

Inspiring

If you were famous, what would you be famous for?

An author and a coach.

Please tell us a bit about yourself

I grew up in the South Devon countryside and moved to Portsmouth 15 years ago to study Biochemistry and Genetics at the university and then never left! I have had a variety of jobs over the years including 10 years working for HM Prison Service in the Finance Department.

I have two young children and really enjoy being out in the fresh air with them. I also enjoy reading, painting and occasionally running.  I’ve recently started learning Tai Chi.

Please tell us a bit about your role at Tall Ships Youth Trust

My role is Trusts and Grants Fundraiser and this is actually the second time I have worked for Tall Ships Youth Trust. I had a similar role 10 years ago, but left to have my children. It’s very nice to be back.

I search for and apply to hundreds of trusts, foundations and other organisations to raise bursary funding for young people and provide equipment for the vessels.

What has been your most memorable moment at Tall Ships Youth Trust?

Climbing aloft onboard the Stavros S Niarchos and meeting some of the young people my fundraising helps.

What is one thing you think people should know about Tall Ships Youth Trust?

It’s NOT a holiday!!!!

Please describe your job in three words

Engaging. Busy. Worthwhile.

If you were famous, what would you be famous for?

I can’t imagine anything worse than being famous!!

Please tell us a bit about yourself

I came to Tall Ships Youth Trust in September 2019; having had an eclectic mix of jobs.  I was at Chichester Festival Theatre for 13 years, stewarding mid-value donors.  I saw some amazing productions but nothing compares to when you see a group of young people return from a voyage – their exuberance and enthusiasm is infectious and wonderful to witness.

Please tell us a bit about your role at Tall Ships Youth Trust

I am the Fundraising and Operations Support. I work with both the fundraising and operations teams on everything from events, financial reporting, research, grant applications and all things voyage admin!

What has been your most memorable moment at Tall Ships Youth Trust?

Having never sailed before in my life, I went on a day sail in October 2019.  It was a force 8, and one of the crew happily said that we were on the right side of dangerous!  It was exhausting but exhilarating on the same level. I kind of got how the young people must feel; you arrive as strangers but you have to work together as a team, which breaks down all sorts of barriers.

What is one thing you think people should know about Tall Ships Youth Trust?

That a voyage for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds can really turn their lives around; show them opportunity and they make friends for life.

Please describe your job in three words

Busy, diverse, rewarding.

If you were famous, what would you be famous for?

For managing a boys’ football team – was definitely channelling my inner Alex Ferguson!​

Please tell us a bit about yourself

I was born in Poland and moved to the UK in 2014. I’ve worked in hospitality for 12 years for a few different organisations. I’m passionate about delivering excellent customer service and helping people.

In my free time I enjoy spending time with friends, watching movies and going for long walks along the beach.

Please tell us a bit about your role at Tall Ships Youth Trust?

I joined the team as the Reservations Administrator in May, working within the Operations Team to help support TSYT’s very busy voyage programme.

The role involves processing group and individual bookings, completing administrative procedures including invoices and joining instructions, and liaising with the vessels’ crew.

What has been your most memorable moment?

Experiencing a day sail onboard Challenger 1 shortly after I began the role. This was my first time sailing on the ocean and I enjoyed seeing Portsmouth from a different perspective, being out on the Solent and getting to experience how our young people feel.

What is one thing you think people should know about Tall Ships Youth Trust?

Our voyages help young people to develop confidence and self-esteem, enabling them to reach their full potential.

Please describe your job in three words

Busy, rewarding, motivational!

If you were famous, what would you be famous for?

Travelling round the world!

Please tell us a bit about yourself

I graduated from a Multimedia Broadcast Journalism course in July 2020.

I’m originally from Morecambe in the North West of England, I then moved to Brighton for three years where I attended university and now live in Portsmouth, so I’ve always lived by the sea!

I enjoy travelling, baking and going to gigs.

Please tell us a bit about your role at Tall Ships Youth Trust?

As a Marketing and Content Lead, I work with the rest of the fundraising and marketing team to help grow Tall Ships Youth Trust’s supporter base and promote the important work that we do.

What has been your most memorable moment?

Seeing one of our young ambassadors Katie, give an amazing talk at the British Classic Week Regatta about her journey from sleeping rough, and being in trouble with the police, through to her life-changing voyage with Tall Ships Youth Trust and her newfound success with work and a modelling contract!

What is one thing you think people should know about Tall Ships Youth Trust?

A voyage with us isn’t just about ‘learning to sail’. We are a youth development charity that helps young people to fulfil their true potential by using the experience of sailing as part of a team, to enable them to learn new skills, face new challenges and discover new horizons.

Please describe your job in three words

Creative, rewarding, fun!

If you were famous, what would you be famous for?

Hosting a radio show!​

Please tell us a bit about yourself

I’m originally from Horsham, West Sussex but have called Portsmouth my home for the last decade or so.

I’m a former journalist-turned-marketer who has worked in a variety of backgrounds, from early careers recruitment to arts and culture.

Outside of work, you’ll most likely find me in the cinema or in the crowd at a gig or festival. I also enjoy reading, cooking, paddleboarding, kickboxing and playing the drums… Whether I’m good at any of those or not is a different question entirely!

Please tell us a bit about your role at Tall Ships Youth Trust?

As the Marketing and Supporter Engagement Manager, I am responsible for growing our supporter base – recognising those people and organisations who give their time, skills and money to support our vital work – as well as increasing our brand recognition and ultimately our reach across the UK.

What has been your most memorable moment?

The first time I saw a group of young people return from one of our voyages really put the work that we do into perspective. The quiet, shy, nervous individuals I met just a few days before had come back more communicative, more outgoing… and with huge smiles on their faces!

What is one thing you think people should know about Tall Ships Youth Trust?

Our voyages are about so much more than teaching young people skills at sea – these are skills and experiences that they can take into the real world and apply to overcome life’s biggest obstacles. They become empowered to break moulds, shatter glass ceilings and carve out their own life-changing paths.

Please describe your job in three words

Creative, challenging and fulfilling!

If you were famous, what would you be famous for?

Sharing my passion for music and films on a podcast, or sitting behind the drums in a rock ‘n’ roll band.​

Please tell us a bit about yourself

I come for an administration and events background. I’ve had lots of different and exciting roles and even spent six months skiing in the Alps with one job!

I’m always on the go; you will often find me walking, running, cycling or travelling and I am even partial to a bit of arts and crafts. I am very self-motivated and I’m always working on a different project – right now I’m (slowly) teaching myself piano! My creative side is influenced by my grandparents who got me in to music and theatre, which I then went on to do a degree in. I’m often trying new things in my spare time or travelling the lengths of the UK to see friends and family.

Please tell us a bit about your role at Tall Ships Youth Trust

I work in our finance team and support the work involved in paying suppliers, recording voyage receipts, recording donations and reconciliations. I also look after our HR polices and procedures.

Please describe your job in three words

Rewarding, creative and fun!

If you were famous, what would you be famous for?

Singing

Please tell us a bit about yourself

I’m a mum to two young children and have three step children, so I’m always on the go these days! My work background is in administration and customer service, working in such places as IBM, Lockheed Martin and Queen Alexandra Hospital. This has given me the opportunity to use these skills in my role at Tall Ships Youth Trust.

In my spare time I like to spend it with my family, go to the cinema, and socialise with my friends. For me it’s about getting the work/life balance right.

Please tell us a bit about your role at Tall Ships Youth Trust?

I work as part of the Business Support Team, primarily in Finance. This involves processing financial transactions of the Trust, account reconciliations, statistical analysis and ad-hoc reporting.

What has been your most memorable moment?

Being taken on as a part-time permanent member of the Business Support Team as I was only supposed to be temporary maternity cover back in 2021! I must have made a good impression and be doing something right!!

What is one thing you think people should know about Tall Ships Youth Trust?

The voyages are not just about learning to sail. They are about learning new skills and helping the young people and adults develop as a person, whether that be confidence building, communication or growing their knowledge of the boats and working as part of a team. There is hard work involved, but there can be fun too! Life skills are learnt which will help everyone who goes on a voyage for the rest of their lives.

Please describe your job in three words

Challenging

Rewarding

Motivating

If you were famous, what would you be famous for?

Dancing – I started dancing from the age of three and I was lucky enough to dance for Princess Diana when I was seven years old, as well as on TV shows abroad and performing at the London Palladium and Sadler’s Wells Theatre.

WHY TALL SHIPS YOUTH TRUST?

Being fortunate enough to have seen first-hand how the effect of time on the water, working closely with other people, develops and brings out the best in people, the fit for me with Tall Ships Youth Trust was obvious. When I was asked to help expand the reach of the Trust, the thought of what I might be able to do for kids far less fortunate than me, it rang a clear bell. It is a natural fit in so many ways and I was more than happy to accept the challenge. Teach the kids basic life skills on how to work with each other and the opportunities will follow.

BACKGROUND

I was lucky enough to have grown up with a sailing boat somewhere nearby and to have had easy access to the water. Dinghy sailing when I was young followed by keelboats from my teenage years onwards. Life aboard a yacht working closely with other people is second nature to me. I spent a very short time in the Merchant Navy before immersing myself into the building trade in manufacturing and selling. I have for the last 35 years run a plumbers merchants in the southeast of England. My love of sailing has taken me to many different venues and allowed me to meet many different people from all walks of life and my former role as the Commodore of the Royal Ocean Racing Club has extensively widened my network of passionate sailors, both professional and Corinthian.

WHY TALL SHIPS YOUTH TRUST?

When I met my wife 30 years ago three things brought us together: a passion for conservation, the sea and a desire to ‘give something back’ to society. As keen divers we took an early interest in marine conservation programmes working alongside marine biologists and fisheries in South East Asia and the Caribbean.  It was a natural progression to setting up our own foundation, working with artisans from small fishing communities, helping them learn new skills using waste material such as seashell to access an alternative, sustainable source of income.

Twenty years on this foundation is well established and running well with a dedicated management team in place. The journey has been rewarding as we feel we make a direct, long-lasting contribution to people’s lives. With a daughter in her early teens, I was keen to find a way to contribute also to our/her community in the UK, helping young adults like her get ready to embrace the world with energy, ambition, confidence, self-respect, respect for others – and with the unshakable belief that if you work hard and have sound values life will be a wonderful experience.

My love of the sea, my passion for sailing, stewardship and the charity’s ethos naturally steered me towards Tall Ships Youth Trust.

BACKGROUND

I was born into a French family with deep roots around the Mediterranean and a long military tradition. I grew up spending as much time as possible by, in or on the sea, including sailing offshore from a young age. After finishing business school, I decided to follow the family tradition, graduated as an officer and spent time serving in the French military. To this day, I cherish the life lessons learnt and true camaraderie built during those years in the services.

I joined the civilian world through a career in professional services, originally in Paris then in London, where I moved permanently in 1991. From early on, I specialised helping global financial institutions, in particular investment banks, manage their financial and operational risks. This kicked off an international career across the main financial centres in Europe, the US and Asia. As a partner with EY (formerly known as Ernst & Young) my role today primarily focuses on managing our global relationship with some of the firm’s largest clients.

I’m married with one daughter. Our family enjoys London and its access to a buzzing cultural scene. We also enjoy spending time outdoors sailing, diving, skiing or rock-climbing. We competed together in the 2021 Rolex Fastnet Race sailing onboard Tall Ships Youth Trust’s 72ft, Challenger 2, which was a great experience as a family.

Time spent outdoors over the years naturally drove me to become a member of the Royal Ocean Racing Club, the SMTC (Cresta Run), a qualified RYA Yachtmaster, a scuba-diving instructor and a skiing instructor.

WHY TALL SHIPS YOUTH TRUST?

I have sailed with Tall Ships Youth Trust over the last five years, with young people from the school I lead in Sutton, London. I was approached to bring a different insight to the Trust’s management board having worked with young people who are excluded and marginalised over the last 35 years. I represent those who have been excluded from school and with special educational needs, especially those with social, emotional, and mental health needs, providing a link to the real work of the Trust with the sailing teams and crew. Our school actively brings children to be transformed by Tall Ships Youth Trust and the people and boats that change their lives.

BACKGROUND

I am Executive Principal of Alternative Learning Trust, set up in 2019, as a new multi-academy trust for Pupil Referral Units (PRUs), Alternative Provision (AP), and specialist settings. Previously, I was headteacher at The Limes College PRU in Sutton since 2006. The college was the first to be set up under the Trust. I graduated as a teacher from the University of Bangor with a specialism in outdoor education, PE and special educational needs (SEN).

I have a post-graduate Diploma in SEN/Behaviour, a national professional qualification for headship and I’m currently studying for an MBA. I led The Limes College in developing quality teaching and raising attainment, which involved improving expectations and developing a range of attainment and qualifications with clear pathways to reintegrate pupils into mainstream school.

I represent secondary schools, special schools and PRUs on Sutton’s Funding Forum, LSCP, CAMHS Partnership Board and the Early Help Board.  I’m Vice Chair of the Secondary Heads’ Group and currently, represent PRUs and AP on a national stakeholder group with the Department for Education.

WHY TALL SHIPS YOUTH TRUST?

I grew up by the sea, started sailing some 40 years ago, and have loved being out on the water ever since. A sailing boat is a unique environment, often challenging, always changing, and demanding care and great teamwork from its crew. Sail training provides young people with so much more than the skills required to sail. Together, they learn about themselves, what they’re capable of and how to communicate better with one another.

I’ve been a trustee with Tall Ships Youth Trust since 2018. I enjoy being part of a charity that helps young people to experience life at sea and using my expertise to help ensure our values of inclusion, adventure and excellence run through everything we do. I recently supported the staff team in delivering a major CRM project upgrade to improve how the charity manages its information.

BACKGROUND

I’ve spent more than 20 years defining business operations, information systems and technology strategies in public sector, commercial and third-sector organisations, working at a senior level for the likes of Toshiba, Alliance Boots and Grant Thornton, and also as an independent consultant.

My experience spans successful delivery of major projects, including business change, IT infrastructure, software development and implementation, and managing ongoing IT Services. Over half my work in recent years has been supporting charities with projects to improve their Finance and CRM systems and make the best use of IT, especially relevant in a post-Covid world.

I’m also a qualified RYA Yachtmaster Instructor and teach sailing in the UK and abroad.

WHY TALL SHIPS YOUTH TRUST?

Having been involved in the creation of the Roundhouse charity as a member of the development council, I realised how important it was to support disadvantaged youngsters. Being a trustee of the Tall Ships has enabled me to combine helping young people with my passion for sailing. I remember when I went on a sailing voyage when I was young and how that made a lasting impression on me. We were a very diverse group and thought we were learning to sail but we learned so much more than that – collaboration, communication and team building amongst other life skills. I am keen to enable others to have the same experience.

BACKGROUND

After a training in engineering and accountancy I moved into providing full service management for clients including Peter Sellers, George Harrison and the Monty Python team. This led to being involved in many exciting projects including setting up HandMade Films to make ‘Monty Python’s Life of Brian’ in 1979. I moved on to working at board level in media groups including Viacom/MTV and the Chrysalis Group where I was CEO. I am now a non-executive director and mentor, and played a key role in setting up Pinewood Malaysia Studios. Outside work I race my 14 foot sailing skiff at international level and go yacht racing and cruising with my wife and daughter.

WHY TALL SHIPS YOUTH TRUST?

When I retired from investment banking, I became a governor at a special needs school close to where I live in West Sussex. The school had sent young people on numerous Tall Ships Youth Trust trips and the feedback was always very positive. When I stepped down as a governor, I was interested in continuing to do charitable work, which benefitted disadvantaged young people, and was introduced to Tall Ships Youth Trust by a former trustee. I have been a keen sailor all my life and recall, as a youngster, seeing the schooners, Sir Winston Churchill and Malcolm Miller in the Solent. I soon realised that these wonderful boats were once owned by the Trust. I have seen first-hand how Tall Ships Youth Trust changes lives and was delighted to become a Trustee.

BACKGROUND

I have sailed since I was a child growing up in Chichester, where I sailed dinghies and windsurfed before moving on to larger boats. I graduated from Imperial College, London, in Chemical Engineering and joined Price Waterhouse in London where I trained as a Chartered Accountant. After qualifying, I moved into investment banking and spent the next 25 years with Credit Suisse, JP Morgan and Renaissance. My banking career was divided roughly equally between London and Asia. Sailing remained a big part of mine and my family’s lives, whether racing or cruising, both in the UK and overseas. I have moved back to the Chichester area, and I’m married with two grown up children who both sail.

Why Tall Ships Youth Trust?

Having first sailed with Tall Ships at age 14, and regularly since as an onboard volunteer, I have a long standing loyalty to this charity. I have seen first hand the tremendous impact that the work of Tall Ships and its supporters has on young lives. Coming from a sailing-supportive family has made it relatively easy for me to enjoy the sport and all its benefits throughout the years, however I am well aware that there are other young people, not so different to me in some respects, that are not so blessed. I want to dedicate my time and efforts to ensure that more of my peers and those to come can access the opportunities that I have.

Background

I have sailed since childhood, instructed dinghies since school, taught on yachts since adolescence and been a live-aboard during a gap year. Now in my twenties I collect skippering certificates and race in a competitive fleet. Academically I have a degree in Biomedical Sciences from King’s College London and a keen interest in genetics and cancer research. I have worked for several years in Event Management and Corporate Team Building, directing a small team to run large focused events. These analytical and management skills have led me to my current graduate job as a Business Improvement Coordinator for Greencore UK. I work to identify, analyse and fix areas of improvement for the world’s leading manufacturer of pre-packaged sandwiches.​

WHY TALL SHIPS YOUTH TRUST?

In my own youth I benefitted immensely from group collaboration learning activities. In particular, in the form of music through which we developed our playing together, gained confidence through performing, learned to welcome newcomers from all backgrounds and made lifelong friends.

The opportunity to join Tall Ships Youth Trust as a trustee, came at a time when I was looking to ‘rebalance’ the mix of family time, professional life, increased charitable activity and music. I could immediately see the importance and social value of the charity’s work with young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and the resonance with my own collaborative experiences with young people. I strongly believe that successful collaborative skills-building goes a long way to building confidence in young people that can help them with direction, social skills and values in their adult lives.

BACKGROUND

I was born in North London although, my family originate from the west of Ireland. In my 20s, I joined the then Inland Revenue, which later became HMRC. I spent 20 years with the tax authority and gained first-hand experience in analysing financial statements, business financing and international tax. In 2009, I moved into professional services and have been a ‘Big Four’ partner since 2012.

I’m married with two teenage sons and we live in Buckinghamshire. My wife, Bettina, is from Jutland, Denmark and we spend a lot of our spare time enjoying the Baltic coast and life at a different pace. Both our sons are fluent Danish speakers.

My experience on the water is limited to motor boats and I have a Level 2 RYA Powerboat handling qualification. My pastimes, include rugby (supporting, not playing), developing my Danish language ability, recreational cycling and getting outdoors as much as possible. My favourite pastime, is Irish traditional music, which I’ve been playing since an early age and perform to support related community-interest causes.  ​

WHY TALL SHIPS YOUTH TRUST?

From an early age I have always had a keen interest in sailing and getting out on the water. Having sailed dinghies and bigger boats, I appreciate the many different dynamics that a sailing experience can offer.

The charity’s ethos of offering children from disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to go to sea for a few days, really resonates with me. It can be and has been, a life-changing experience for some people. The opportunity to become a trustee was not one to miss.

BACKGROUND

I have spent 30-plus years in investment banking and stock markets and left that world a few years ago to diversify and learn some other skills. I’m an investor, a non- executive director and a mentor. I also find time for personal hobbies and other interests, including learning Spanish.

I’m married with two grown up daughters and live in Sussex. My wife and I are keen sailors and also enjoy skiing, cycling and travelling. I have a RYA Yachtmaster qualification and I’m a member of RORC.

WHY TALL SHIPS YOUTH TRUST?

I believe that it is important to provide development opportunities to disadvantaged young people to enable them to become confident, resilient and realise their full potential. Tall Ships Youth Trust has a fantastic legacy of supporting young people through transformational residential voyages. I was particularly impressed with the STEM and the Sea voyages providing life skills to all-girl crews of Year 10+ girls. I am familiar with the benefits of the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme provided by Tall Ships Youth Trust, as my daughters have all completed this at school.

As a school governor, I can see that support is needed for our young people now more than ever given the challenging economic environment and anxiety caused by learning difficulties, pressures of home life, covid and other social factors. I have supported the development of young people and promoted diversity and inclusion through personal, corporate, and voluntary work.

I have grown up daughters who enjoy swimming and diving in the sea, and we have spent some great family holidays at Trinity House lighthouses! I am passionate about young people and providing them with opportunities that may not otherwise be available to all.

BACKGROUND

I have broad commercial and legal expertise, as well as experience of the charity sector. My career as a senior lawyer spans more than 25 years in the global banking and fund management sector, working for US, Japanese, French and UK institutions, as well as the multi-lateral development investment bank EBRD (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development).

I then moved to The Fairtrade Foundation where I provided legal advice on charities, programmes, commercial and development work. I am now an advisor at Nest Insight, a public-benefit research and innovation centre.

I am very excited to be joining Tall Ships Youth Trust in 2023 and participating in the next phase of its strategic development.

Please tell us a bit about yourself

I’m a professional sailor of 15 years’ experience. I’m particularly interested in training to make seafaring safe and accessible, I believe it can be a positive life changing experience. Most of my best days have been at sea and I like be involved in helping others experience this.

I have run a sea school, been a coast guard officer, a round the world yacht racer and a delivery skipper.

Please tell us a bit about your role at Tall Ships Youth Trust

I skipper the voyages. I sail the Cat, the ketch but especially the challenger yachts.

What has been your most memorable moment at Tall Ships Youth Trust?

Too many to mention, Dartmouth approach at dawn straight from Portsmouth was memorable. The wind was from the North West and we had a through the night powerful, flat, fun sail. The guys had been amazing and I knew we were going to have the best week ever.

What is one thing you think people should know about Tall Ships Youth Trust?

Its for everyone, on a boat everyone can be amazing in some way.

Please describe your job in three words

Safety / Teacher / amazement deliverer (ok that’s four)

If you were famous, what would you be famous for?

I would have a tv cooking show. The studio would be at 45 degrees tilt. Every recipe would involve running on deck to sort out a problem like what’s the 3 greatest biscuits ever.

Please tell us a bit about yourself

I am a qualified RYA/MCA Ocean Yachtmaster with commercial endorsement.  I have been sailing for over 10 years on a range of sailing vessels from production cruising boats to Challenger yachts.  With over 22,000NM logged, I have sailed much of the UK, France, Portugal, Spain, Mediterranean and the Caribbean and sailed the Atlantic Ocean five times since 2012.

I was born in Gosport and after a couple of years in the Merchant Navy I joined the Fire and Rescue Service in Hampshire.  As a firefighter I moved around the country on promotion and finished my career 31 years later as Chief Fire Officer and Director of Community Safety in Gloucestershire.

Please tell us a bit about your role at Tall Ships Youth Trust

As Skipper with Tall Ships I look after and manage boats going to sea, this involves keeping everyone on board and the boat safe, looking and developing crews and make sure everyone learns life skills through sailing.

What has been your most memorable moment at Tall Ships Youth Trust?

My most memorable moment with the Trust was my first voyage sailing across the Atlantic and the excitement when getting to St Lucia and seeing what it meant to all of us.  That same excitement is still there whether it be a long voyage or a simple voyage in the Solent, reaching a destination by harnessing nature through sailing is an amazing experience.

What is one thing you think people should know about Tall Ships Youth Trust?

You can learn so much about yourself and life by sailing with Tall Ships Youth Trust

Please describe your job in three words

Safety, Development, Fun

If you were famous, what would you be famous for?

If I was famous I would be famous for my pancakes!

Please tell us a bit about yourself

I’m one of the Skippers at the Tall Ships Youth Trust and I have been here for 10 years. I started out as Mate (1^st paid Mate) and then progressed to Skipper. Before my sailing career started, I worked in the City of London for a Merchant Bank and did that for 21 years. I enjoy watching my local football team Gillingham, travel and spending time with friends.

Please tell us a bit about your role at Tall Ships Youth Trust

I am responsible for running the voyages and making sure that the crew and boat are safe and they have a good time.

What has been your most memorable moment at Tall Ships Youth Trust?

Over the 10 years I have had many memorable moments and because the trips are so varied, you never know when the next one will happen. If pushed, I would say my first trip as Skipper.

What is one thing you think people should know about Tall Ships Youth Trust?

It is a life-changing experience.

Please describe your job in three words

LIVING THE DREAM

If you were famous, what would you be famous for?

Helping make the world a better place

Please tell us a bit about yourself

I’m a full-time Sailing Instructor, having decided about six years ago that it was going to be more fun than working in an office.

So far, that’s worked out to be true! I love working for TSYT and when I’m not doing that, I teach the Royal Yachting Association’s syllabus as a Yachtmaster Instructor. I still think the old line is true “A bad day on the water is better than a great day anywhere else.”

Please tell us a bit about your role at Tall Ships Youth Trust

As a Skipper with TSYT, I lead the onboard team that helps young people have great experiences. This means planning the trip and adjusting plans to suit each voyage crew, a little bit of admin, and a lot of teaching and mentoring. And making sure it’s all fun.

People think that a Skipper steers the boat all the time … on the best trips I barely touch the wheel, only taking control for the all-important parking!

What has been your most memorable moment at Tall Ships Youth Trust?

Memorable moments happen all the time. The best bits normally happen about two thirds of the way into a trip when everyone relaxes and maybe you find out that the person who started out nervous and quiet is suddenly ready to take charge of some exercises on deck… those moments are always great.

What is one thing you think people should know about Tall Ships Youth Trust?

Boats are a great leveller. If you come to the sea overconfident, you’ll find out that you can only achieve with help from others. But, if you come to it uncertain of yourself, you’ll find you can do far more than you thought.

Please describe your job in three words

Challenging

Safe

Enjoyable

If you were famous, what would you be famous for?

My fabled ability to resist biscuits, however tempting. It’s quite safe to offer to share your triple chocolate cookies with me, I can definitely resist those, oh yes :).

Please tell us a bit about yourself

I’m 29 and from the Isle of Wight. I’m a freelance cruising instructor, teaching young people from the age of 12 on leisure trips, right up to teaching adults on racing yachts around the world.

My first job was as a climbing instructor at the age of 14. I then spent 10 years working for the NHS, and still do sometimes, alongside completing a degree in medical science

Please tell us a bit about your role at Tall Ships Youth Trust

I started working freelance for the Trust in 2018 as a Mate and have since progressed to Skipper, after being signed off in 2023.

I throrougly enjoy the challenge of the role, as well as contributing to maintenance and engineering on the fleet.

What has been your most memorable moment at Tall Ships Youth Trust?

I will always remember one young person who came from a very difficult background. He came to join us for a week at sea and on the last evening he was helping me prep dinner.

He turned to me and said. “before this voyage, my life was pretty rubbish, but this week has made me realise there are lots of options out there and it doesn’t have to be this way”.

What is one thing you think people should know about Tall Ships Youth Trust?

We work hard to help young people to develop and strive to achieve their goals.

Please describe your job in three words

Challenging

Rewarding

Life-changing

If you were famous, what would you be famous for?​

Who knows?!

Please tell us a bit about yourself

After a 30-year career in aviation I hung up my shepherd’s crook for the skies and turned my gaze back towards the water.

I have always been drawn to water, be it swimming, white water kayaking or sailing. Over the years, I have turned my passions into a profession becoming a RYA Yacht Master, Cruising Instructor, and a White Water Coach. I have sailed for various sailing projects as a Skipper over the past 10 years, and in 2021 I was recruited by TSYT before being promoted to Skipper in 2023. 

Please tell us a bit about your role at Tall Ships Youth Trust

As Skipper, I feel grateful to develop all that sail with TSYT. At the same time, I enjoy the challenge of delivering the sailing  programme and empowering all crew in their sail training experience. 

What has been your most memorable moment at Tall Ships Youth Trust? 

Every voyage for me is memorable as the young people who sail with TSYT arrive from various backgrounds and I always remember the looks on their Day 1 faces!

“omg am I going to do this, pull on that and climb up the mast?”, some stating “I can’t  do that.”

By the end of the week, the transformation I see is priceless. Happy, smiling faces and a newfound confidence. For some of these young people, it’s truly life changing. This brings a smile to my face, and I say to myself ‘job done”.

What is one thing you think people should know about Tall Ships Youth Trust?

Sailing opens the minds and hearts to all who sail on board with TSYT. Every day is a school for all, even for the sea staff. Being at sea is a great leveller, it helps to breakdown everyday barriers. This allows all to come together as a team and develop the individual at the same time. Be it a simple deck task, cooking , helming or the complexity of night navigation.

Please describe your job in three words

Challenging. Rewarding. Fun.

 If you were famous, what would you be famous for?

As I enjoy dancing, I would take Dad dancing to a new infamous level! ​

Please tell us a bit about yourself

My background is engineering and data communications, specifically Satellite and Mobile services (I worked in this area for nearly 20 years, running my own business for much of this time). I was able to retire early in 2018, and since then I have been able to focus my energies on another of my passions  – sailing!

I came to sailing late and have only been sailing for around 12 years, however in that time I have managed to cram in around 45,000 sea miles, including multiple crossings of the Atlantic and also the Pacific Ocean. Along the way I became a Commercially Endorsed Yacht Master Ocean and also Cruising Instructor.

I started sailing with TSYT at the beginning of 2018 when I joined Challenger 4 as voyage crew on a passage from Antigua to the UK, which ended up with me sailing the passage as the second mate. On my return, I started working regularly with TSYT and started skippering the Challengers in 2021.

If I am not sailing (which is quite rare these days), you will probably find me outdoors somewhere either getting dirty in a Land Rover or running up a hill somewhere. I particularly enjoy trail running and have completed a number of trail marathons and ultras.

If you have sailed with me, you will also know that I have a bit of thing about the importance of serving tea on a very regular basis whilst on board, yes please if the kettle’s on, are you making?

Please tell us a bit about your role at Tall Ships Youth Trust

At a high level, my role as a Skipper is manage the boat and keep to everyone safe, and secure on board. The Skipper plans each voyage, including where the boat goes and the activities on board, to ensure that each crew member can maximise their development of new skills throughout their time with us.

It also includes keeping everyone on board well fed and watered, and of course ensuring an ample supply of tea!

With my engineering and technology background, I perhaps unsurprisingly have great love of all things STEM. To that end, I have been fortunate to be able lead a number of TSYT’s STEM focused voyages as I believe sailing provides the perfect framework for STEM focused development – from wind energy to aerodynamics, weather systems to the environment and cleaner seas, satellite navigation to tidal streams.

What has been your most memorable moment at Tall Ships Youth Trust?

I don’t think there is one single moment on one voyage, rather there is a point in every voyage when the crew come together, they suddenly work as team, crew members are helping and supporting each other, new skills are being put into action, and they conduct themselves with new found belief and confidence in themselves.

What is one thing you think people should know about Tall Ships Youth Trust?

We are not a sailing charity, rather are youth development organisation that uses sailing as the tool to break down barriers, expand horizons and teach young people new life skills!

Please describe your job in three words

Inspiring, Changing, Rewarding (for me!)

If you were famous, what would you be famous for?

Well it would probably involve some sort of legislation regarding the compulsory serving of tea and biscuits on board sailing boats…

Is the kettle on?​

Please tell us a bit about yourself

I’ve been jumping on and off boats all my life and started sailing at the age of 10, and fell in love with it. Starting with smaller boats and working up to bigger boats, I discovered TSYT as a teenager and became a Watch Leader.

I took a gap year before university to take part in the Clipper Round the World Race. Experiencing that is when I knew a career in sailing was for me, and that I wanted to incorporate youth work. I’ve worked up through the ranks to become a Skipper. Aside from sailing, I’m very passionate about music, being creative and video games.

Please tell us a bit about your role at Tall Ships Youth Trust

The role I play at the minute is two fold, I am both a Skipper and a Mate, but not on the same trips. It varies from week to week, whether that’s running around putting sails up, or having a sing song with the young people after all the jobs are completed.

I can be found up the mast fixing something, in the engine or the galley, or even unblocking a the heads (toilets). No two weeks are the same, but all are just as fun. For me my role is creating a good experience for the young people we work with, pushing them out of their comfort zones to prove they can achieve anything, and having a giggle while doing it.

What has been your most memorable moment at Tall Ships Youth Trust?

There are so many memorable moments from working with TSYT, from a young person being obsessed with catching a fish and then not knowing what to do with it once they had, to the boat being hit by a wave and finding the young people laughing on the floor of the galley covered in a mix of soapy water and hot chocolate powder. Every trip brings differed memories, some of which will make me laugh forever.

What is one thing you think people should know about Tall Ships Youth Trust?

Once you’ve got the sailing bug, you can’t get rid of it.

Please describe your job in three words

Fun. Exciting. Indescribable.

If you were famous, what would you be famous for?

Coming up with some crazy invention that no one knew they needed, but changes peoples lives, like a suncream spraying machine!

Please tell us a bit about yourself

I started sailing dinghies when I was six year old, by 18, I’d moved onto windsurfing, which I have done ever since.

Throughout that time I’ve also sailed on yachts, but much more so recently, and I’m still learning lots!

Please tell us a bit about your role at Tall Ships Youth Trust

My role at TSYT is to help keep everyone safe on board and make sure everyone has a great time.

Learning and personal development take care of themselves once people feel safe and are having fun.

What has been your most memorable moment at Tall Ships Youth Trust?

Sailing past the Needles on a Challenger, accompanied by a pod of dolphins and watching the looks of awe and glee on the young crew. Amazing life-changing experiences can happen in our own backyard!

What is one thing you think people should know about Tall Ships Youth Trust?

Every week young people do something that they never believed they could, and they discover that they are good at it.

Please describe your job in three words

Fun, fun and fun!

If you were famous, what would you be famous for?

Having absolutely no interest in being rich and famous!

Please tell us a bit about yourself  

I am a commercially endorsed RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore and have been sailing for more than 20 years. I first sailed with TSYT in January 2008 on one of the first voyages after the Trust obtained the Challenger yachts and have been volunteering ever since.

I worked as a pharmacist for thirty years, including five years as a counsellor and prescriber for a drug and alcohol team. I have just received my bus pass and am officially ‘retired’, but life somehow is as busy as ever with DIY for my two daughters, and being a Secondary Academy Governor.

Please tell us a bit about your role at Tall Ships Youth Trust

I usually sail as Mate on the Challengers, but sometimes Skipper the ketch. My primary role is to ensure that what needs to happen, happens safely and that everyone has a good time.

What has been your most memorable moment at Tall Ships Youth Trust? 

There have been too many memorable moments. Some are related to the sailing, some will be related to the wonderful natural environment that surrounds us such as sunsets, (and sunrises!) or seeing dolphins, but also the difference we see in so many young people after just five days of being on board.

What is one thing you think people should know about Tall Ships Youth Trust? 

Sailing can be truly life-enhancing, because young people learn so much about themselves on a voyage. They may never sail again, but will have grown through the experience. The team, both onshore and offshore are all passionate about developing the young people who come sailing with us. 

Please describe your job in three words  

Encouraging, Empowering, Enjoyable. 

If you were famous, what would you be famous for?  

Mending things, sometimes it appears to be particularly anything to do with the plumbing!

Please tell us a bit about yourself

I have worked in the sailing industry for almost 20 years having started out as a dinghy instructor before becoming a RYA Yachtmaster and instructor. I started working in sail training in 2015, I also work for some Solent based sailing schools, and Clipper Ventures

Please tell us a bit about your role at Tall Ships Youth Trust

As a Mate, my job is to support the Skipper in the safe running of the voyage and yacht, by ensuring that the voyage crew learn, have fun, and stay safe.

What has been your most memorable moment at Tall Ships Youth Trust?

 Doing the Biscay trip back in August and giving the group a really memorable adventure.

What is one thing you think people should know about Tall Ships Youth Trust

Now more then ever youth work is so important!

Please describe your job in three words

Manic. Wet. Fun.

Please tell us a bit about yourself

I was born and raised in the Channel Islands, which turned out to be the perfect boating playground from my toddler years onwards. It is an easy hop from there to the North and West coasts of France, where I have spent quite a bit of time racing and cruising over the years!

My first Tall Ships Youth Trust adventure was the Fastnet campaign of 2017, and after that I was hooked, returning to do weekends across the Channel, island-hopping around the Caribbean, another Fastnet in 2021, and of course volunteering for youth voyages along the UK’s South Coast, and as far afield as Spain. I became a Volunteer Mate in 2022.

Please tell us a bit about your role at Tall Ships Youth Trust

Essentially my job is to work with the Skipper and the team on board to make sure everyone who sails with us is having fun, learning a lot and ultimately doing both safely. There are occasions when I will be fixing heads, doing safety checks, navigating, or repairing sails, and other occasions when I’ll be teaching young people to tie bowlines, cook and clean, run engine checks or lead a team. It is a varied role and no two days look the same, which is what makes it exciting!

What has been your most memorable moment at Tall Ships Youth Trust?

There are too many memorable moments to pick just one. Both Rolex Fastnet campaigns were memorable, and came with a huge sense of achievement. There was a great sense of freedom and relief at being “off grid” and without internet connections or phone signal, we had the chance to really get to know each other and form some great lasting friendships as a crew.

Likewise in 2022, we sailed with a group of young people, to Spain and back from Portsmouth. The group started out as strangers to one another, but quickly formed strong friendships, and despite their differences, and in some cases disabilities, they worked tirelessly as a team to achieve an incredible feat, sailing over 1000 nautical miles in two weeks.

What is one thing you think people should know about Tall Ships Youth Trust?

We are all passionate about sailing, but personal development and skill-building is really at the heart of what we do. Sailing with TSYT is great for improving confidence, leadership and communication, and if you can learn to gel as a team on a boat at sea, you can do it anywhere.

Please describe your job in three words

Exciting, Unpredictable. Rewarding.

If you were famous, what would you be famous for?

My quirky and ever-growing collection of sunglasses and beanie hats!​

Please tell us a bit about yourself

As a young adult, I left my birth country of Brazil with a one-way ticket to travel the world. Three years later, while going through the Greek Islands, I had a chance encounter with sailing yachts. This one opportunity led to an unpaid job as a deckhand on board a classic sailing yacht and it changed the course of my life. It expanded my horizon and gave me a new interest and focus. No, I didn’t become a professional sailor, but I did sailed more than 25,000 miles across oceans in the years that followed. Afterwards, I became a professional Sound Engineer working for the BBC and then Pinewood Studios. Now I work freelance and volunteer as a Mate for TSYT, helping to empower young people to see beyond their horizon.

Please tell us a bit about your role  at Tall Ships Youth Trust

The Mate is the nominated deputy of the Skipper. They are the senior watchkeeper and share responsibility with the Skipper in maintaining proper standards of watch keeping, safety, ship handling, navigation and log keeping. They are responsible to the Skipper for the good order, cleanliness and proper running of the vessel, and for encouraging efficiency and good conduct of the crew afloat and ashore.

What has been your most memorable moment at Tall Ships Youth Trust?

Night sailing in the Irish Sea with a well motivated young crew under a starry sky in a fresh breeze? Magical!

Lundy Island – returning from a shore trip back to Challenger 1 sitting at anchor two cables offshore, with a young crew rowing the dinghy and vocalising at the top of their voices the melody tune to Pirates of the Caribbean being played on deck? Priceless!

Playing card games with the voyage crew after a hard day’s sail? Great fun!

Going down below after putting the boat to bed for the night to the wonderful smells coming from the galley, where the watch are hard at work to feed the whole crew! Yes!

What is one thing you think people should know about Tall Ships Youth Trust?

Everyone working with TSYT are here for one reason, to offer young people an opportunity to experience daily life on board a sailing ship, so that by working together as a team, pulling together “two, six, heave!”, following leads, leading tasks, understanding the importance of discipline, all together may increase self esteem, self confidence, trust in their shipmates, and perhaps expand their horizons as it did for me all those years ago.

Please describe your job in three words

Support, safeguard, empower.

If you were famous, what would you be famous for?

My incredible sourdough bread!

Please tell us a bit about yourself

Now retired, I have pretty much spent my entire career working to support young people. I had the privilege of setting up from scratch, a new youth offending team (YOT) in 1999. A YOT no less, where the idea was to work to prevent youth crime by recruiting a multi-agency team to find and deliver interventions that would develop the young people and help them turn their lives around and make a positive contribution to their communities. The team was very diverse and made up of police officers, psychologists, teachers, probation, and health workers, all working together with the one clear aim.

Whenever possible, we used the latest evidence-based interventions and achieved some remarkable results, proof that the right kind of investment into young people can reap rich rewards. A story, of course, that lies at the heart of the work of Tall Ships Youth Trust.

Please tell us a bit about your role at Tall Ships Youth Trust

On retiring, I found a natural home with TSYT and over the past 13 years, I have sailed on many trips helping to young people and adults to realise their dreams, as well as realising a few of my own, including sailing across the Atlantic twice. Sailing round Great Britain and to Norway.

Currently I work as a Volunteer Mate on the Trust’s 55ft ketch, completing up to three trips a year, mainly involving teaching young people to sail.

What has been your most memorable moment at Tall Ships Youth Trust?

En route to the Azores beating into a storm with winds of 54 knots and 10 metre waves, with two young people on my watch with safety lines attached, we crawled towards the bow to recover the stay sail, huge waves breaking over us, automatic life jacket  going off and absolutely completely soaked but we achieved our aim and lived to tell the tale.

What is one thing you think people should know about Tall Ships Youth Trust?

At Tall Ships Youth Trust, we use sailing as a tool for young people to achieve so much more than new practical skills. Our voyages engage and motivate young people to make the best of their lives.

Please describe your job in three words

Challenging. Inspiring. Satisfying

If you were famous, what would you be famous for?

As Prime Minister, I would make a law to ensure that all young people were fully included as per their individual needs into their communities with access to excellent education, sports, leisure, social, work opportunities and family support. Young people’s wellbeing would be society’s number one priority on my watch.

Please tell us a bit about yourself

I’m a currently a Volunteer Mate, and working towards getting a commercially endorsed Yachtmaster Coastal. I’ve been sailing since I was 8. I started with dingy sailing, then upgraded to yachting when I came on a voyage as a young person in 2018.

I’m going to study Economics at University in September 2023 and in the meantime I’m making the most of the opportunities to sail and work with young people here at Tall Ships Youth Trust.

Please tell us a bit about your role at Tall Ships Youth Trust?

As a Mate, I am in charge of directing onboard activities and get closely involved with everything our youth crews do on voyage, from teaching essential cooking skills to sail hoists.

I act on direction from the Skipper and you could find me supervising an engine check, while discussing the latest TikTok trends. ?

I am the first point of contact for any questions that the crew have and I love seeing how quickly we bond as a team on board.

I also do maintenance work on, which is a lot of fun, fixing and improving our fleet!

What has been your most memorable moment?

Every voyage has memorable moments, but a few special ones include seeing shooting stars while sailing across the Bay of Biscay, every time we see dolphins (cue me going “look dolphins wow!” for about 10 minutes straight), the ‘bucket of friendship’ that a group named as they passed the sick bucket around, and watching young people form a love for sailing over the course of a voyage.

What is one thing you think people should know about Tall Ships Youth Trust?

We are a big family, living and working together for weeks at a time gives us an especially close bond that you don’t find elsewhere. We support each other unconditionally, and I deeply appreciate all the encouragement I have received, both as a young person on voyage and now as a Watch Leader.

Please describe your job in three words

Exhilarating. Fulfilling. Entertaining.

If you were famous, what would you be famous for?

I’d quite like to be famous for living entirely off grid, and self sustaining. That would be cool!