Seas Your Future
Seas Your Future (SYF) is the operating name of Adventure Under Sail (AUS), a UK-registered not-for-profit company, and charity registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales.
AUS was formed in 2008 initially as a small charity managing funds to provide bursaries for young people undertaking sail-related activities, and in 2012 took ownership of the tall ship Pelican of London. Its principal strategic aims, as set out in its Memorandum & Articles of Association, are to educate young people, through the provision of sailing or sailing-related activities and other training and so as to develop their physical, mental, and social capabilities so that they may grow to full maturity as individuals and members of society and their conditions of life may be improved.
In 2022, the charity acquired its second tall ship, the Fridtjof Nansen, to accommodate the increasing demand for voyages.
The charity operates the ships primarily as sail training vessels for young people, in the northern hemisphere during the spring and summer months mainly around the UK and Europe, and during the autumn and winter months on a six-month transatlantic educational voyage. SYF provides a sailing experience and an alternative form of learning for all young people, encouraging equality, inclusiveness, and passion, through adventure and challenge. Their programs promote personal growth through Sail Training, Maritime Career options and offer hands-on Ocean Science and environmental conservation activities.
SYF’S MISSION
Youth Development, Maritime Career Awareness, and Ocean Science Activities.
What do you hope to change in the world?
This is a difficult one because we aim to align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which is not just one. However, I think polluting the ocean and the lost laws since Brexit caused UK water to become almost unable to swim in.
SYF’S LEGACY
Using sail training programmes enables youngsters to discover their abilities, values, passions, and responsibilities in situations that offer adventure, challenge and the unexpected. Unique ‘Maritime Careers’ opportunities to learn about life on board, safety at sea, seamanship, navigation, engineering, teamwork, and much more.
Participants may already be apprentices or this may be their first step towards a career within the maritime sector. Voyages for studying ‘Ocean Science’, changes to the marine environment and climate to young people who care passionately about safeguarding the planet. Ensuring that voyages are open to all young people by seeking to subsidise costs for those that cannot pay.
SUSTAINABILITY AT SYF
At Seas Your Future (SYF), we are reviewing and improving what we do in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), while taking account of the changing business environment, in which the charity is positioned.
Seas Your Future evaluates, prioritises, and mitigates sustainability risks. Making all elements of the charity more sustainable is a process that requires continuous review. We seek to learn from best practice and be transparent through sharing our actions and outcomes to promote debate.
current proGRAMMES
Sail Training
Sail training covers all aspects of sailing, but its purpose goes far beyond. Sail training uses the experience of being at sea as a means to help people learn about themselves, discover hidden strengths and talents, and understand the value of working as part of a team. No previous experience is required.
Maritime Careers
As part of the maritime careers voyage, we will continue to offer further development opportunities through shore-based career mentoring and networking days. Voyage crew will also be offered discounted rates on Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) courses through our partners, which will include STCW Basic Safety Training, Approved Engine Course (AEC) and VHF radio. We can also potentially offer further sea time and development through ongoing maritime career voyages and volunteering positions.
Ocean Science
The United Nations have declared a Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, running from 2021 to 2030. By encouraging the next generation of marine biologists, oceanographers, environmental scientists and leaders in change, we plan to feed the worldwide community. Over the next 10 years, this generation will have the passion, skills, expertise and technology to sustain the oceans we need for the future we want.
Support SYF’s Work
WEBSITE: www.seasyourfuture.org
INSTAGRAM: @seasyourfuture
