On Monday 13 December, the iconic Pelican of London Tall Ship arrived in Cartagena with a crew of 40 young trainee sailors who are taking part in a six-month transatlantic educational voyage organised by British charity Seas Your Future.
During their stay in Cartagena, the crew – led by British captain Ben Wheatley – will enjoy a reciprocal visit to ARC Gloria, Colombia’s emblematic Tall Ship and part of their Navy, which is currently berthed in the Caribbean port. They’ll also be visited by local children from the Fundación Dones Misericordía for an informative talk and tour, further strengthening bilateral ties during UKCOL2021, the official year of the UK in Colombia which seeks to celebrate all kinds of cooperation between our two countries.
Seas Your Future uses sailing as a vehicle to promote core values of equality, inclusiveness and passion through adventure and challenge. Their portfolio of programmes promote personal growth through Sail Training, Maritime Career options and hands-on Ocean Science/Environmental Conservation activities. Plans are underway to launch a new Tall Ship in 2022, providing further opportunities for aspiring sailors and other youngsters from all over the world to join their voyages – including via subsidised scholarships and bursaries.
Pelican of London will depart Cartagena on Wednesday 15 December, making its way to Costa Rica via the Panama Canal for the next exciting stage of its journey. This was Seas Your Future’s – and the Pelican of London Tall Ship’s – first trip to Colombia, but it surely won’t be the last, so watch this space!
