Tim Yorke-Dunne
Ambassador
Tim spent his formative years living in South Devon, spending much of his childhood on the coast and on Dartmoor. This gave him a true understanding and appreciation of the natural environment from an early age.
On completion of his secondary education, Tim went on to study Cartography at Oxford Brookes University whilst also learning to fly as an Officer Cadet Pilot in the Royal Air Force. Some years later, Tim decided to pursue a career in business, and he has spent over 25 years successfully growing and transforming businesses throughout the UK.
In 2010, Tim returned to the south-west, settling in Cornwall with his young family – surrounded by the beauty of the rugged Cornish coast, with Bodmin Moor to the north, and Dartmoor to the east. This inspired Tim to re-kindle his love for painting, and he now enjoys creating landscapes of the region in between running his consultancy business.
Tim has previously helped to establish a STEM education charity in Cornwall, whilst his eldest daughter has had the privilege of sailing on the Pelican of London Tall Ship with Seas Your Future. This has provided Tim with a good understanding of the charity’s aims, it’s approach and the positive impact that a Seas Your Future Voyage can have on young people. Naturally, this has motivated Tim to embrace the opportunity to become an Ambassador for the charity, actively promoting awareness of Seas Your Future and increasing engagement within the business community.
Georgina Hallahan
Ambassador
After graduating from the University of Exeter with a BSc in Sport and Exercise Science Georgina started her career in the private education sector. Over the last 18 years Georgina has undertaken various roles which enabled her to work in ops management, marketing and health and safety alongside Georgina's passion of coaching and teaching children and young people. Through her work Georgina sees the importance of pushing yourself outside your comfort zone to promote self confidence and to explore new experiences. This is what led Georgina to embark on tall ship sailing in 2006, and subsequently sailing on Pelican of London in the 2011 Tall Ships Races where she met her husband.
The invaluable life lessons and positive outcomes sailing gave to Georgina, more so for someone not living by the coast, she feels is something every young person should experience. Georgina gained confidence, practical skills and leadership skills that can't be taught in a classroom alone. Georgina's hope as ambassador is to promote the values and positive impact sail training can have on young people no matter their background or circumstance.
Jakub Žondra
Ambassador
Jakub is enthusiast for sailing and traveling, working since 2013 on different vessels across the globe. Jakub started on cruise ships, making his way through sailboat deliveries to tall ships and sail training. That has become a real passion and a great way to share experience and joy from sailing with others! Working onboard Pelican of London as a Watch Leader and Bosun's Mate inspired Jakub to become an ambassador, as sail training for youth is a great way to inspire others and change lives for the better!
Yvonne Blood
Ambassador
Yvonne has always had a love of the sea and all things nautical. Her first experience of Sail Training was on STS Leeuwin on the west coast of Australia in 1996. Returning to Fremantle doing the can-can on the yard arms and the life lesson found at the very top of the main mast were life changing. Fortunate enough to be selected as a buddy on STS Tenacious the desire to sail grew. Along with the delight in encouraging others to develop and reach their potential whilst following their dreams. Sailing transatlantic on Maiden twice and circumnavigating the British Isles led to being awarded RYA Yachtmaster Offshore which was utilised whilst working as Cruising Instructor for Sunsail in Greece. Volunteering for Sea Cadets led to the opportunity of being mentor on Pelican of London in August 2022. The benefits of sailing with Seas your Future are many. Adventure that educates you to believe in yourself and realise your capabilities is invaluable. In a world that challenges the stability of our mental health Seas Your Future can show young people another way. We are honoured to support anyone in any way to overcome the obstacles holding them back. We are looking forward to encouraging young people to step onboard, embrace and benefit from the amazing experiences and possibilities that SYF offers: we will do so with enthusiasm and great joy.
Captain Lee Clarke
Ambassador
Captain Lee Clarke is the General Manager of Isle of Man Maritime; Lee oversees the day-to-day operations of a not-for-profit organisation that supports and promotes the island's growing maritime sector. With over 22 years of experience in the maritime industry, Lee has a strong track record of delivering results, fostering collaboration, and driving innovation in the Maritime sector globally.
Lee’s core competencies include organisational leadership, strategic leadership, and interpersonal communication. Lee has a passion for seafarer training, mentoring and Diversity and Inclusion, and has spoken at various industry events on these topics. Lee is a Associate Fellow of the Royal Institute of Navigation, Ambassador for EYESEA and a Trustee and General Council member for The Seafarers’ Charity, among other significant positions within the maritime community and Isle of Man Government. Lee is committed to making a positive impact on the industry and the society, both locally and globally.
Franklyn Lobo
Ambassador
Upon completion of secondary school, Franklyn started to train for a career in the merchant navy and since qualifying as a navigation officer in 2018, he has worked in a variety of shipping-related roles both on and off shore. Volunteering onboard Pelican of London as a Watchleader and Third Officer gave Franklyn the opportunity to learn square-rig sailing and develop his character and a whole set of new skills. He is enthusiastic about giving back to the industry and has spent time as a ship welfare visitor in Southampton providing wellbeing support to the many seafarers that arrive at the city's port each year. Besides sailing, Franklyn's hobbies include travelling, cycling and spending time outdoors. Experiencing first hand the empowering sail training and STEM programmes SYF help to deliver has inspired him to become an ambassador for the charity. Franklyn is excited for the future of sail-training and wants to help us continue delivering life-changing opportunities for years to come. To anyone considering participating on a voyage, Franklyn says "Just go for it."
Anika Blood
Ambassador
Anika is currently in the middle of her GCSE exams. Hoping to attend sixth form in the autumn and begin her gold Duke of Edinburgh Award- what an amazing volunteering role as ambassador for SYF. She has sailed onboard Pelican twice and promoted SYF at three award ceremonies. She appreciates the opportunities from SYF.
Dr Trevor Gerhardt
Ambassador
Dr Gerhardt is a Reader in Work-Based Learning and Director of Studies for Higher Degree Apprenticeships at Kent Business School, University of Kent. Prior to academia, he had a background working in the third sector as a community leader, strategist, curriculum and programme development and CPD officer. As an active publishing academic, he has held positions as a programme director, project and academic lead and has a nationally and international recognised specialism in work integrated learning (WIL). He is a career consultant offering training, education and development. Dr Gerhardt is a TEDx speaker, a network convenor for the Working Life and Learning Network of the European Society for Research on the Education of Adults (ESREA), an Associate Editor for the Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning Journal, a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, a CMDA trailblazer, an Ambassador for Seas Your Future and a SEEC Steering Committee Member. He has his own YouTube channel and runs a WIL podcast.
Trevor grew up in South Africa and loves the ocean and although not as active now as when he was younger, activities included surfing, rock fishing, spearfishing and diving. www.drtrevorgerhardt.com
Emily Lee
Ambassador
Emily is currently in her final year of marine biology studies at the University of Plymouth and is passionate about all things marine. In 2019 Emily sailed as a trainee on the TS Pelican of London and was entranced by the enormity and tranquillity of the ocean, leading her to return many times as a volunteer.
As a watch leader on these trips she first appreciated the magic effect sail training can have on young people. Seeing the spark of curiosity ignite within trainees drives Emily to continue to better her own skills.
Emily's love for the ocean developed during her childhood on the South West coast. She continues to live in the South West and (when not sailing) takes full advantage of local activities including surfing, climbing and hiking.
Alun Morgan
Ambassador
Alun is Senior Lecturer in Education at the University of Plymouth where he leads courses on Environmental and Sustainability Education, Global Education and Outdoor Learning. He has worked in a variety of contexts over thirty years including as a school teacher, teacher advisor and lecturer and researcher in a number of Higher Education Institutions. His work focuses on the interface between geography and science education, environmental education and education for sustainability and global citizenship; and Outdoor and Adventurous Learning. He works across educational phases (primary through to Higher Education) and formal-informal learning sectors, and promotes intergenerational, lifelong and community-based learning. He has a long-standing research interest in Place and Landscape as integrative concepts for learning; Transformative Learning Theory; and has a particular interest in Marine Science, Technology, Society and Environment Education; and Ocean Literacy. Alun convenes the Learning Outside of Formal Education Research Node; and Peninsula Research in Outdoor Learning Regional Research Hub.
Captain Benjamin Cowling-Monks
Ambassador
Ben joined the Merchant Navy in February 2016 and during his time as a cadet Ben served on the Pelican of London. Providing him with skills he wouldn't have got from anywhere else and it has made Ben into the sailor he is today. Ben qualified in December 2018 and started working as a 2nd Officer for a Coastal Tanker company. Working through different companies working his way up to Master onboard tugs in the UK. Ben now runs his own company, CM Marine, providing tailored careers guidance for those wishing to join the Merchant Navy or other services involving the sea. CM Marine provide guidance, CV building, mock interviews and forums for those who require it.
Serenity Tiffin
Ambassador
Serenity has a real passion for sailing and youth development albeit she sees herself as a late bloomer when it comes to the seas having only been introduced in 2010. She has volunteered for Tall Ship Zebu as well as Merseyside Adventure Sailing Trust. Her professional background was in HR and Crew management overseeing the day to day operations of the crew on assigned vessels.
Samson Onyeabor
Ambassador
Samson Onyeabor is an MBA graduate and international maritime HSEQ Manager, regulatory compliance and class consultant, technical research specialist and presenter/trainer in several oil and gas conferences, maritime shipping and smart port exhibitions around the globe. He is also a well-travelled man with several international awards, professional experience and trainings covering the offshore oil and gas, shipping business, building, operations and maintenance of vessels(FPSOs, FSO, marine tankers, barges and tugs) in some globally renowned companies such as SHI South Korea, Drydock World Dubai, Keppel Shipyard and Yinson Production PTE, Singapore. Major areas of specialization include marine HSEQ/ISM management, permits and consent/regulatory approvals, marine insurance risks, local content, class statutory requirements, flag and coastal states management, etc. Samson has participated and successfully executed several maritime/oil and gas projects both locally and internationally.
Jeremy DeMoss
Ambassador
Jeremy DeMoss hails from Memphis, Tennessee, but now calls the Hudson Valley of New York home. His lifelong passions for marine biology and meteorology led him to earn a bachelor’s degree in Biology and a master’s degree in Atmospheric Sciences. Jeremy has over a decade of professional experience in providing meteorological and oceanographic services, including marine forecasting and optimum ship routing. Currently serving as the Duty Director of Marine Operations at FleetWeather, a division of Pole Star Global, he holds accreditations as a Meteorologist (RMet) and is a Fellow of the Royal Meteorological Society (FRMetS).
Jeremy's adventurous spirit took him aboard the tall ship Pelican of London as a Scientist in Residence during 2022, off the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Outside of work, he enjoys various outdoor activities like running, hiking, and scuba diving, but his greatest joy comes from embarking on adventures with his wife and two daughters.
Shauna Murphy
Ambassador
Shauna is from Meath in Ireland. She has been sailing for a few years now on tall ships and she finds it such a rewarding experience. Shauna loves telling people about sail training and her adventures so far, long may they continue!
Ben Lowings
Ambassador
Ben Lowings is a UK-based journalist and yacht delivery skipper. He's also worked as a Cruising Instructor. He's written three biographies of lesser-known 20th Century yachtsmen. All his life he's tried to convey in words the excitement of sailing, along with the importance of maritime skills to develop individuals and benefit wider society.
Helen Sharp
Ambassador
Helen has spent 17 working as a producer for BBC Radio, making science and medical programmes for Radio 4 and the World Service. Here Helen spent a lot of time travelling the world and specialised in reporting on infectious diseases, health systems and learned a lot about the importance of free health care for all at the point of delivery. After leaving the BBC Helen spent 11 years delivering educational projects as part of the award-winning educational charity Academy FM Folkestone. Here, Helen found funding and worked with children from all walks of life, using radio as a tool to build confidence and communication skills. Since 2018 Helen has been working with the Folkestone Harbour Seafront Development Company promoting Folkestone to a wider audience, and building links between the company and community to show the amazing wealth of people, activities and skills available to locals in their small town. Helen's son has been on a Seas Your Future voyage, and also carried out work experience with the charity. Helen has seen first-hand how the experiences within the charity can help young people grow in confidence and develop as young adults with a social conscience and awareness for our environment and the people we work and live with. Helen is really excited about the prospect of helping promote the charity and finding new people to experience the opportunities her son has had.
Mark Packer
Ambassador
After finishing secondary school, Mark studied and worked in a variety of roles as a nurse, specialising in mental health. During the 8yrs that Mark worked in healthcare, he spent the little free time he had, in nature. And in particular, in the sea. In 2021, while working full time as a nurse, Mark went back to University to study MSc Marine Conservation at the University of Plymouth and completed his switch from nursing to conservation by joining the Shark Trust at the end of the masters. During his first year at the Shark Trust, Mark had the opportunity to join Seas Your Future onboard the Pelican of London as the Scientist in Residence for two weeks - running a series of workshops on sharks and rays in and around the UK.
After seeing first-hand the changes in the attitudes, mental wellbeing and the friendships formed by the young people while onboard the Pelican of London, it was an easy decision to become an ambassador for Seas Your Future.
Outside of the world of sharks, Mark's interests are mainly connected to the sea with surfing, diving and camping around Devon and Cornwall. And more recently, Mark and his partner, Lily, have been converting a VW T4 to take their two kittens on adventures around the UK and Europe!
Květa Bouchalova
Ambassador
Květa is from the Czech Republic and once sailed aboard Pelican of London. She really enjoyed it and became a SYF Ambassador, willing to help this amazing charity and to inspire other students from the Czech Republic to try sailing with Seas Your Future. She's currently studying at a grammar school and hoping to begin the Duke of Edinburgh Award this year.
Patrick Wilson
Ambassador
Patrick has volunteered for Sail Training Association/ Tall Ships Youth Trust since 1995, fundraising and recruiting young people to sail. He took some groups from Wakefield Young People's Service. Now he looks forward to volunteering for SYF.
Ryan Bird
Ambassador
Ryan, albeit living in Derby, spent a lot of his childhood meandering around North Wales on some type of water craft. This drove Ryan’s initial passion for wanting to be at sea.
After a trip to Portsmouth and an open day at Warsash Ryan was signed up to be a part of the Merchant Navy. Ryan qualified as a Navigation Officer in 2015 where he began his journey around the world on a Super Yacht.
Ryan’s training took him on two legs of the Norton Rose Fulbright Sail the World as well as short sea sails around the Mediterranean and Northern Europe on a traditionally rigged Barque, where he developed a passion for sail training.
Ryan, since becoming a Master Mariner in 2021, has settled into a role as a Marine Pilot, alongside this he acts a health and safety representative, private tutor for MCA oral exams and Careers at Sea Ambassador.
Ryan is passionate about bringing the opportunities available at sea to people living in land locked cities like Derby and ensuring their support throughout their chosen Merchant Navy Career.
Anneliese Hodge
Ambassador
Anneliese is a PhD researcher at Plymouth Marine Laboratory and the University of Plymouth where her research is focused on the effects of sunscreen chemicals on marine organisms. She conducted her BSc in Environmental Science, followed by an MRes in Marine Biology where she began her research passion for investigating the effects of sunscreens in the sea. Anneliese has written for several platforms including The Conversation UK, The Marine Biologist magazine, and has also been interviewed about her work on several podcasts. She has presented her research at meetings and events both nationally and internationally, and she is soon to begin a three-month fellowship based in the Houses of Parliament in the Office for Science and Technology. When Anneliese isn’t researching sunscreens, she loves to scuba dive or go sailing!
Gabriel Okunade PhD
Ambassador
Gabriel is a Marine Biologist with passion for the conservation of the Marine Environment. A Professional and dedicated individual with an excellent track record of leading marine surveys which encompassed survey design, implementation, environmental assessments, and long-term ecosystem health monitoring. Gabriel is an environmentalist/educator with keen passion for sustainable conservation of the environment and vast resources. Gabriel has experience that cuts across classroom teaching, field sampling and laboratory analysis. Gabriel has had the privileges of collaborating with researchers in Africa, US and UK and is always open to research and project collaborations to birth new scientific innovations.