Adrian Ragbourne
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Adrian has been our Chief Executive since 2016, during which time he has led the charity through significant change, developing our successful partnerships with Sail Training Ireland, Ocean College and others, all of which has resulted in Pelican now sailing for 46-48 weeks a year. Adrian came to us with 25 years experience as a manager in the corporate sector of which 15 were international, and 8 years as a manager in the charity sector. He also has 25 years' experience as a school governor and Academy trustee.
Simon Thorrington
Development and Partnerships Manager
Simon has 15 years’ experience in commercial banking and 30 years in the charity sector, bringing financial acumen and considerable charity and project management experience to Seas Your Future. He has served or worked as both a trustee and manager of several charities, including working for 15 years for Charity Bank, an innovative Social Investor. He was a trustee of Seas Your Future for 8 years.
Captain Ben Wheatley
Technical Engineering Manager and Relief Master
Ben became involved in sail training as a teenager when he had the opportunity to undertake several voyages as a trainee. This led to time spent as a volunteer crewmember and eventually to paid work in sail training vessels after completing his full-time education. For over twenty years, Ben has sailed in vessels from 11 tonnes to 600 tonnes delivering sail training voyages; since 2013 this has been as Skipper or Master. Ben was full-time Master of Pelican from 2019 to 2023 and is now working for SYF from shore, providing technical support to the crew whilst also developing the vessel's maintenance programme.
Dr Charlotte Braungardt
Head of Science
Charlotte (Charly) is an engineer and environmental scientist with more than 20 years of experience as academic in higher education. As freelance consultant at Challenging Habitat, she shares her curiosity and insights, through environmental science research, outreach, communication and education.
Yasmin Deter
Marketing & Communications Coordinator and Degree Apprentice
Yasmin (Min) is our Marketing and Communications Coordinator and Degree Apprentice. She studies a Chartered Management BSc, at the University of Kent, alongside working for us. Min is in charge of everything marketing and works closely with Simon on partnerships, development and fundraising for Seas Your Future. This includes, events, PR, social media, project management, bursaries and sponsorship, the website, collateral and more! Min also played a key role in creating the Tall Ships Top Trumps as well as creating and managing our Ambassador Programme.
Ula Mitrega
Operations Coordinator
Ula is our Operations Coordinator. With a creative background, an interest in the charity sector and a passion for the sea, Ula supports the management of onshore operations at Seas Your Future