Last week, the tall ship Leader arrived in Bangor Harbour on Belfast Lough. This significant development will offer a fantastic opportunity to expand the Atlantic Youth Trust's development programme through maritime sail training voyages. Leader will serve participants from across the region in developing valuable life skills like confidence, leadership, and communication, all through this unique maritime environment.
The Atlantic Youth Trust was founded in 2014 with the idea that one of the best ways to help young people develop is through time spent on a tall ship. Its mission to empower young people across Ireland by challenging them through sail training experiences.
The Leader and Brian Boru are two sail training ketches in the Atlantic Youth Trust fleet. They are now passenger-licensed for sail training and have undergone some major refits this year. The Brian Boru is based in Dublin Bay.
Atlantic Youth Trust Leader at the Central Pier in Bangor Harbour Photo Rob Armstrong
At the open day, the public was welcomed aboard for an informal conversation about the aims and advantages of voyages on the ship. First mate Sarah McClelland was interviewed by the BBC about her role on Leader and what it will mean to youth in the local community and beyond. Also present were Bangor Marina staff, Bangor RNLI, Andrew Muir MLA, the Mayor of Ards and North Down Borough Council Alistair Cathcart, and supporters from Royal Ulster.
The ship's bell of the Atlantic Youth Trust's Tall Ship Leader Photo: via Facebook
Bangor Harbour Master and Marina Manager Kevin Baird is pleased that the Leader is making its home in Bangor. "We are delighted to welcome The Atlantic Youth Trust and the Leader to Bangor. It's a fantastic opportunity for our city and for Bangor Marina. We look forward to working closely with them in the future, as we share their commitment to getting young people afloat and inspiring the next generation through maritime education and adventure. Their values resonate strongly with our own goals of supporting youth engagement, sustainability, and community involvement on the water."
