Posted by Peter A. Mello, Executive Director on October 24, 2006
On October 18th, ASTA Race Director Jonathan Harley, ASTA Education Director Eric Shaw and I attended a lecture at the Seamen’s Church Institute in Newport about an interesting tall ship project. Called The Future Ship Project for the 21st Century, aka FSP 21, it clear is not lacking in ambition.
“The physical base of this project is a four masted steel barque, 157 metres (515 feet) from the tip of the bowsprit to the end of the spanker boom, carrying over 8000 square metres of sailcloth in 31 sails, manned by 65 professional crew and 200 trainees.”
“FSP 21 – largest most modern square rigged education and adventure training sailing ship in the world”"FSP 21 will join a worldwide fleet immediately becoming a member of a peaceful international community and a leader in their realm of activity”
Whether or not this project is ever launched, it’s a great advertisement for sail training. Thanks to Rear Admiral David Bawtree (Royal Navy Retired) who travels the world spreading the word and reminding us of the possibilities if we dare to dream.
Posted in American Sail Training Association, Education, Maritime education, Sail Training, Tall Ships | 1 Comment »
Posted by Peter A. Mello, Executive Director on October 5, 2006
The ASTA conference is only a month away and it’s looking to be our best ever. Over the past few years conference attendees indicated their interest in going to warmer climes and we listened. We are on our way to Charleston, the home of ASTA Member South Carolina Maritime Foundation, owners and soon to be operators of the beautiful new schooner Spirit of South Carolina.
The theme of this year’s conference is “Measuring Success” and there are lots of exciting prsentations scheduled including an opening keynote by Captain Christopher Sinnett, the Commanding Officer of the USCGC Barque EAGLE. Professional sail trainers, marine educators, students, teachers, vessel ownver, Tall Ships festival organizers from the US, Canada, Australia, Denmark, India, Ireland and Poland will be in attendance. There will be something for everyone.
We launched a conference blog several weeks ago that has all of the latest info; check it out by clicking the above banner or going to www.tallships.wordpress.com.
This year we will also be holding our biennial Education Under Sail Forum which will be focused on “Ocean Literacy.” Our forum keynote speaker will be Ms. Louisa Koch, Director of NOAA’s Office of Education.
We hope to see you in Charleston at this not to be missed educational and networking event!
Posted in American Sail Training Association, Education, Maritime education, Sail Training, TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE, Tall Ships | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Peter A. Mello, Executive Director on October 1, 2006
According to a report this morning from the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), ASTA Member vessel Tenacious experienced an engine room fire.
“…by just after 11.00 a.m. this morning the Master of the `Tenacious’ reported to the Coastguard that he considered that the fire was now out, but that he was planning to take the vessel back into Portland under sail to arrive early this evening after briefing his crew….No injuries have been reported.”
The Tenacious and Lord Nelson are fully accessible sail training vessels owned and operated by the Jubilee Sailing Trust.
In 2004, thousands of North American’s visited the Tenacious when she participate in our TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE Series. She is always a very popular vessel and has an incredibly inspiring mission.
Posted in ASTA Member | Leave a Comment »
