The activities of Sail Training Shetland (STS) have been recognised with the presentation of the ‘Sail Training Organisation of the Year – Small Vessel’ award at Sail Training International’s recent annual conference in Dunkirk, France.
Run by volunteers, it highlights the role of STS as a unique charity in the tall ships’ community, working to raise funds and promote, recruit, mentor and provide logistical support for arranging trainees’ placements.
This year, it raised funding to allow 100 young people to take part on eight vessels in The Tall Ships Races, including 20 placed on Shetland’s iconic tall ship Swan, with Lerwick among the host ports for the third time.
Lerwick Port Authority is a long-term sponsor of STS whose chair, Melanie Henderson – the Authority’s Cruise & Marketing Manager – said: “We are very honoured to receive this award recognising our volunteer committee’s achievements in supporting The Tall Ships Races. It is important for the charity to be part of this incredible community, offering life-changing experiences to young people. The positive impacts of their individual sail training experiences will be seen throughout their lives.”
Applications for new placements for the next Tall Ships Races will be invited in Spring 2024.
Visit sailtrainingshetland.com to find out more.
Afternote: National Historic Ships UK has announced its 2023 award winners and Swan LK 243 has been awarded Operational Flagship of the Year status for 2023.
