Following last year’s success, Isle of Man Maritime are working with the Merseyside Adventure Sailing Trust’s (‘MAST’) to provide a number of local children the life changing opportunity to experience training as crew aboard some of the UK’s premier tall ships.

Last year saw TS Maybe and TS Blue Clipper visit the Isle of Man during the MAST Apprentice Ship Cup (‘ASC’) 2021. Among the crew on board were five Isle of Man Police Cadets who, thanks to sponsorship from Isle of Man Maritime, the Isle of Man Ship Registry, the Isle of Man Constabulary, local maritime charity, KGFS Isle of Man and the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, joined 55 other young people in the challenge to sail a pair of tall ships against the wind for 700 miles.

The annual event which supports the development of young people through sail training, was founded by MAST Chair Jim Graves, 10 years ago in Liverpool.

Jim Graves, Founder and Chair of MAST, said: “In spite of the challenges the Covid pandemic threw at us, we still managed to pull together this unusual and exciting programme for the first time.”

“I must thank Lee Clarke and the businesses on the island, without whose support, guidance and great enthusiasm, the ASC would not have happened last year. We see this as the beginning of a great partnership between MAST and Isle of Man Maritime and have no doubt that this year will be even better!”

Brian Thomson, Managing Director at the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, said: ‘A career at sea can be truly fulfilling and it is fantastic to see initiatives such as this providing an opportunity for young people to get a feel for what it is all about. It was a pleasure to sponsor the young cadets’ ferry travel from and to the Island last year and to have the opportunity to meet them and hear all about their exciting maritime adventures. ’

Chief Constable at Isle of Man Constabulary, Gary Roberts, said: “I am proud of our youth scheme and its members. The opportunity given to five of them to help sail a tall ship to the Island was only made possible by the support of several organisations and individuals, who went out of their way to provide advice, support and financial assistance.

The work done by Captain Lee Clarke deserves special mention. I am sure that the trip has helped the young people develop and I am also sure that it will long remain in their memories.”

General Manager of Isle of Man Maritime, Capt. Lee Clarke, said: “To be able to facilitate this kind of experience for local young people is priceless and we are very much looking forward to working with MAST to provide other young individuals with the same opportunity this year as well as for years to come.”

Isle of Man Maritime are working together with a number of local organisations in the hope to make more spaces available to young people on the Isle of Man for this year’s event, which will take place in the summer.

One of Isle of Man Maritime’s core objectives for 2022, is to better educate young people on the Island in what a career in maritime can look like, and to create career pathways via which they can obtain the necessary training or information needed to get a job in the industry.

They have a busy year ahead planned with activity comprising presentations in local schools, exhibiting at the Isle of Man Employment & Skills event in November. Plans have also commenced for a maritime specific employment fair, which they hope to host this summer, and they continue to work closely with training and education establishments on and off island, in the development of some new and exciting opportunities which might appeal to individuals interested in a career within this niche sector.

Outside of this, the not-for-profit organisation is focussed on continuing to develop, support and promote the Island’s growing maritime sector and its members, by demonstrating why the Isle of Man truly is a centre of maritime excellence. For more information on the work of Isle of Man Maritime or to stay abreast of the latest news and events, you can follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Competition

WIN a place onboard one of the tall ships in this year’s MAST Apprentice Ship Cup and enjoy an experience of a lifetime.

To be in with your chance of winning, put your Isle of Man Maritime knowledge to the test.

Visit www.maritime.im/competition to find out more.

Competition is open to Isle of Man residents between 14 – 21 years old, only. Entries must be received by no later than midnight on Friday 20th May 2022.

Winner will be announced by Wednesday 25th May 2022. GOOD LUCK!!