The Atlantic Youth Trust Charity chaired by Round the World sailor Enda O'Coineen, says a 164ft Tradewind schooner it proposes to call 'STV Grace O'Malley' will act as the new ‘flagship’ for introducing young people across the island of Ireland to maritime and careers.
As Afloat reported in October 2021, O’Coineen, a former Director of Coiste an Asgard, says "we have long since championed the need to replace Ireland’s lost sail training vessel the Asgard II in a dynamic and creative new way".
Atlantic Youth Trust supporters travelled to Sweden to try out the new vessel in November and reports on the visit are very favourable for the project that will rely on public and private funding.
The Charity says the tall ship will have a key role to play in the areas of research, innovation, tourism promotion and providing a support outlet for vulnerable young people.
It is hoped the ship can become a floating embassy for Ireland at events home and abroad, ranging from Tall Ships races to trade events while all the time fulfilling her core youth and reconciliation mission.
It is understood that a " mini-refit" will be required to suit Irish purposes. According to O'Coineen, she will need some cosmetic work on deck and will need to be repainted. Much of the running rigging, now several years old, will need replacement.
It is anticipated that the current 35 berths, many of them with specifications ensuite, will need to be increased to 40 or 45 to accommodate 30 trainees, five full professional crew and five experienced youth leaders.
The new ship is a replica of a famous 19th-century wooden ship The Lady Ellen. A successful Swedish industrialist who had seen her as a boy, loved her lines and had a replica rebuilt to the highest specifications in Submarine Steel.
Owned and used over recent years by Tarbet Shipping, based in Skarhamn, she has crossed the Atlantic 17 times and has been maintained, regulated and certified to the highest standard.
