Sail Training Ireland vessel lands in Wexford with the endeavors of young local sailors recognised at the Opera House

18 June 2023; The Pelican of London Tall ship returns to Rosslare Harbour after completing the Energia Discovery Ocean Science Voyage 2023. Photograph: Damien Eagers / Coalesce

Leading Irish energy company, Energia Renewables and Sail Training Ireland has welcomed the Pelican of London tall ship to Rosslare and recognised the endeavors of young local sailors at an awards ceremony at Wexford Opera House.

The voyage of empowerment set sail from Dublin on Wednesday 14 June and docked in Rosslare, Wexford yesterday, Sunday 18 June. During the voyage, twenty-three young people from Wexford and five from Wicklow (names and county included in Notes to Editor section) learned various skills including teamwork, communication and leadership. The crew also undertook various marine science experiments, including lab work and learning about the marine environment.

18 June 2023: Pictured are, Katie Franklin, Anwen Roberts, and Alannah Byrne, from Wexford with their certificates after completing the Energia Discovery Ocean Science Voyage 2023. Photograph: Damien Eagers / Coalesce

The participants were, Daniel Ross Berkeley, Robert Thomas Berkeley, Olivia Bowers, Alannah Byrne, Kate Campbell, Brogan Carty, Dylan Devereux, Robert Devereux, Liam Donovan, Moya Doran, Shane Egan, William Fallon, Dan Fleming, Katie Franklin, Isaam Hussain, Olann Kavanagh, Andrew Kelly, Casey Kerr, Noah Murphy, Aodan O’Callaghan, Ferghus O’Donnell, Seanna Purcell-Caffrey, Aaron Quadros, Anwen Linda Roberts, Hamish Scott, Ella Boland, Elek Zimmermann Klincse and Maciej Nogielski.

Sail Training Ireland is a national charity that works with young people to develop life skills through experiential learning onboard tall ships.

Energia Renewables support for the voyage on the Pelican of London tall ship is part of the Irish company’s continuous commitment to sustainability and community. Energia Renewables is currently developing the South Irish Sea offshore wind project that will generate clean electricity for homes and businesses across the south-east region and Ireland. The partnership with Sail Training Ireland represents our commitment to support initiatives that benefit local residents and communities.

Jodie Neary, Offshore Stakeholder and Engagement Manager of Energia commented, “We would like to congratulate all of the young sailors who participated in this voyage and thank Sail Training Ireland for the opportunity to partner with such a dedicated and worthwhile organisation. This voyage would not have been successful without the experience and support of people like Sindy Offer, Manager of the Trainee Programme and we would like to thank all the staff involved in making this journey possible. I would also like to thank the Wexford Opera House for facilitating the awards ceremony where Energia Renewables had the opportunity to meet with the excited young participants and their proud families.

“We were delighted to welcome the ship to Rosslare and recognise the achievements of those who participated. This is a partnership that is key to Energia Renewables as we actively invest in offshore renewable energy, both at a local and national level, including our South Irish Sea offshore wind proposal off the coast of Wexford. We believe that such development is key to the success of communities, providing green energy and opportunities for young people to consider careers in a sector that will grow and evolve.”

Daragh Sheridan, CEO of Sail Training Ireland, added,

“It’s fantastic to see this young group, who came together less than a week ago as group of strangers, have now returned as a tight knit crew following the voyage from Dublin. They have had an amazing adventure and will have developed friendships that can last a lifetime. Thank you to Energia Renewables who helped make this happen for them all”.

Sail Training Ireland was recently awarded the Lord Mayor of Dublin’s Award for their contribution to youth development and education in Dublin and beyond. The charity offers sail training voyages to young people from a range of backgrounds and abilities. The voyages help to develop essential life skills such as leadership, teamwork, and communication, while also building self-confidence and resilience.