The Essex based charity that works with disadvantaged, less able and socially excluded young people, as well as the wider maritime industry, is about to achieve its first aim in the furtherance of its excellent community work – that is the build of a new spritsail barge hull. This, once fitted out, will allow whole year round work.

Watch this space: http://www.seachangesailingtrust.org.uk/

Talking to Don Ramsay, Trust Administrator, recently, he said,”We’re very excited about this … a press release will follow the formal signing of the hull build contract…” he added, “I can say that the new hull will be built in England … upon completion she will be towed to Maldon for outfitting and rigging…”

Don also made the point that building the barge was the first phase of the pathway and that and the second phase of rigging her would not get in the way of the Trust’s core work with their clients. The barge funding and core work funding are kept separate. Core work is largely supported by many individuals and large organisations keenly interested in the Trust’s concepts.

This is an exciting time for past clients, Trust members, patrons and supporters.

Some while ago I wrote an article which was published by Anglia Afloat last autumn. Within, I wrote of meeting a returning barge with its young crew. Aboard were two lads, both had had huge problems, yet working through the programme, with returning periods afloat, achieving joint aims with the barge, they had turned themselves around – this is what it is all about.

The crew after a week running a barge without use of her engine (apart from last leg up to Maldon’s Hythe, mooring up… The crew were real chuffed!

Talking to Don about this, he said, “Yes, one of those two still comes along for a trip, as a hand, but he’s moved on now. He has a steady job and is happy…” He added, “It sums up our aim … to help people go off, stand on their own feet and succeed in whatever they choose to do … the other lad did too…” As have many more people.

All gathered for the post trip wash-up. This is an important aspect and both the barge’s crew and clients take part… I was particularly taken by watching and listening to this activity.

Don went on to tell me about a young lady who’s aim is now to qualify as a barge skipper. I wish her well, both in her journey for well being and her personal goal.

You can help this young lady by visiting the Trust’s web site and donating someone a Christmas gift, perhaps to yourself even…

God Bless.