Speaker: PENNY TRANTER FACILITATOR: Magda Makowska
This double session, designed exclusively for Captains and professional crew, explores the practical and decision-making aspects of weather forecasting in the context of sail training voyages. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) models and how to interpret them effectively in real-world maritime operations.
Through discussion and case studies, Penny will highlight why not all storms are the same, and how subtle environmental cues—such as changes in sky patterns, cloud formations, wind direction, pressure trends, and sea state—can provide early indications of changing weather conditions.
The session will also address the growing influence of climate change on maritime weather patterns, encouraging participants to reflect on how evolving climatic conditions may impact sail training in the years ahead.
Combining scientific insight with practical seamanship, this workshop aims to strengthen weather awareness, enhance voyage safety, and support informed decision-making at sea.
Speaker biOgraphY:
Penny Tranter is a professional meteorologist. She currently works as a Met Office Advisor across England and Wales providing professional meteorological and climate advice, primarily for severe weather, to emergency responders and planners. Penny was involved in the Met Office’s planning and response for the 2021 G7 event in Cornwall.
Penny has worked in the Met Office for over 40 years and originally trained as a professional weather forecaster. Previous roles within the Met Office have included: national and international BBC weather presenter between 1992 and 2008, Meteorology Training Manager at the Met Office College 2008 to 2011, and a member of the successful official Met Office weather forecasting team for the sailing events in Weymouth during the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.
In other roles, Penny has provided the sailors’ weather brief for the 2015 and 2017 Fastnet Races, and 2022, 2023 and 2024 Round The Island Races. She also supported Team GB for Paris Olympics 2024 through supplying a variety of weather services.
She is a Chartered Meteorologist and a Fellow of the Royal Meteorological Society. Penny enjoys sailing, powerboat instructing, swimming, walking, cinema, theatre, music, and watching tennis and rugby.
Speaker: PENNY TRANTER FACILITATOR: Magda Makowska
Part 2 of this double session, designed exclusively for Captains and professional crew, explores the practical and decision-making aspects of weather forecasting in the context of sail training voyages. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) models and how to interpret them effectively in real-world maritime operations.
Through discussion and case studies, Penny will highlight why not all storms are the same, and how subtle environmental cues—such as changes in sky patterns, cloud formations, wind direction, pressure trends, and sea state—can provide early indications of changing weather conditions.
The session will also address the growing influence of climate change on maritime weather patterns, encouraging participants to reflect on how evolving climatic conditions may impact sail training in the years ahead.
Combining scientific insight with practical seamanship, this workshop aims to strengthen weather awareness, enhance voyage safety, and support informed decision-making at sea.
Speaker biographY:
Penny Tranter is a professional meteorologist. She currently works as a Met Office Advisor across England and Wales providing professional meteorological and climate advice, primarily for severe weather, to emergency responders and planners. Penny was involved in the Met Office’s planning and response for the 2021 G7 event in Cornwall.
Penny has worked in the Met Office for over 40 years and originally trained as a professional weather forecaster. Previous roles within the Met Office have included: national and international BBC weather presenter between 1992 and 2008, Meteorology Training Manager at the Met Office College 2008 to 2011, and a member of the successful official Met Office weather forecasting team for the sailing events in Weymouth during the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.
In other roles, Penny has provided the sailors’ weather brief for the 2015 and 2017 Fastnet Races, and 2022, 2023 and 2024 Round The Island Races. She also supported Team GB for Paris Olympics 2024 through supplying a variety of weather services.
She is a Chartered Meteorologist and a Fellow of the Royal Meteorological Society. Penny enjoys sailing, powerboat instructing, swimming, walking, cinema, theatre, music, and watching tennis and rugby.
Speakers: Charlotte Braungardt and Murray henstock
Sail Training International continues to support research into many different areas of sail training, youth development and maritime heritage. This session will explore the findings of those projects that were successful in receiving funds as part of the STI Research Grant. We are excited to promote these projects and share their results with the STI community.
This session will also include a chance to examine how these findings can support sail training operators to achieve their outcomes and objectives and may offer additional insights into the possibilities for future programme development.
Additionally a ‘sneak peak’ will be available of the projects that have been funded for development in 2026.
Speaker biographies:
Dr Charlotte Braungardt is a freelance scientist. After over 20 years of experience in research and higher education at the University of Plymouth, she started Challenging Habitat to focus on environmental science communication, education and research. She combines her passion for the ocean and sailing with her role as Head of Science in the sail training organisation Pelican of London Ltd., where she integrates ocean-focused STEM education into traditional sail training and youth development activities. Sail Training International funded her research into impact evaluation in 2025.
Murray Henstock has been involved with sail training in a range of capacities since 2000 and is currently the chair of the Membership & Communications Working Group for the Australian Sail Training Association. As a sail trainer and high school science teacher he seeks to connect teachers and students with sail training.
In 2013 Murray conducted preliminary research into the impact sail training has on student engagement with education and learning and is now investigating the impact sail training has on teacher pedagogy.
Murray’s previous work includes the exploration of how trainees learn and the components of an effective youth development program as well as the redevelopment and expansion of the ‘Youth Development Program’.
In addition he has created a ‘Corporate Training’ and ‘Young Leaders Program’ for the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme. Murray also developed the ‘Generic Youth Development Program’ and assisted with the development of the ‘Self-Assessment Tool Kit’ for Sail Training International.
Murray is a previous winner of the Sail Training International ‘Volunteer of the Year’ award and has been a regular presenter at the International Sail Training and Tall Ships conferences presenting on a range of topics since 2008.
He is currently developing a range of sail training support material including a facilitators’ guide, a teacher training guide along with associated curriculum links and resources.
Speaker: Unity BOWNs Facilitator: Phoebe LEACH
This session will aim to explore the many ways in which individuals differ, and to raise awareness of the importance of being inclusive of these differences.
It will focus on areas which are especially current such as age, gender identity and pronouns, and neurodiversity.
For each topic it is key to establish some definitions and some statistics about the way in which these traits exist in society as a whole.
We will then explore how delegates have previously encountered the topics (whether within sail training or elsewhere), and conclude by addressing the way in which crews can adapt to welcome all people, at policy level and directly on the vessels.
The session will run with an ethos of openness and exchange, giving space for anyone to ask any question without feeling that they might offend; there will be discussion points in which participation is optional but encouraged to facilitate a collective understanding. Some of the ideas discussed may be challenging and thought provoking — come along ready to explore!
Speaker biography:
Unity fell in love with the sail training industry in 2021 after sailing with OYT South as a trainee. They trained as a watchleader and then a Second Mate, before starting to work with OYT Scotland, Challenge Wales and Tall Ships Youth Trust, particularly sailing with high support needs groups, or groups from difficult backgrounds. Since finishing university in summer they have spent most of their time at sea, but also enjoy volunteering for STI, being a trustee for OYT South and being the youth coordinator for Bloodhound- Royal Yacht Britannia Trust.
Speakers: Samantha Leonard and sandra PRINS FACILITATOR: hollie Weatherhead
We all know that so many young people could benefit from and enjoy Sail Training, but so many don’t even know that it’s possible to sail onboard a tall ship.
Sail Training International commissioned some intensive quantitative research among young adults and their parents in the UK and for the first half of this session, Sam will share with you some interesting insights that came from the results.
This topic will give you a better understanding of the use of communication platforms, what young adults want from an experience, what the barriers are for Sail Training, and what measures Sail Training International is planning to take to get more in the minds of this target group.
For the second half of this session, Sandra will give her view on how to raise awareness amongst young adults, following qualitative research in the Netherlands.
She will explore what the insights and appealing propositions for this current generation are, what marketing tools with limited budget could offer and how partnerships can help. An outside-in view from a seasoned marketeer on the tall ship world, with concrete examples. A fresh perspective for those who seek a different approach.
In the last part of the session there will be the opportunity to share ideas and best practices. We’d love to hear some examples from you or dive into open discussions regarding issues some organizations might face.
Speaker biographies:
Samantha Leonard first joined the Sail Training International team as a Marketing Consultant in 2023 and took on the role of Head of Marketing for Sail Training International at the beginning of 2025.
A graduate from Southampton Solent University; she has spent most of her marketing career in the marine industry, starting out at a luxury RIB and tender manufacturer, before progressing to the role of Marketing and Communications Manager at a global marine safety company, where she managed the communications for a range of International brands.
As an experienced marketer with the ability to think strategically, Sam is leading on an awareness strategy to raise the profile of sail training and The Tall Ships Races among young people and their parents.
Sam very quickly embraced Sail Training International’s mission and is passionate about making it possible for as many young people as possible to experience growth and development through the sail training experience.
Sandra Prins has a long track record in Marketing, Communications & Branding as Head of Brand Experience at international corporate institution ING. At ING she was also responsible for the SAIL Amsterdam 2010 sponsorship and after that she became active in several secondary functions in the tall ship world. Besides a personal interest in tall ships, she is eager to connect young adults to tall ships, to give them the opportunity to develop themselves in the unique environment of a tall ship.
Speaker: Pieter BINDT Facilitator: Rafal szymanski
Though much is done to prevent incidents and accidents at sea, unfortunately they do happen. However, analyzing and drawing lessons from them, reduces the probability of reoccurrence or limits their impact.
During this interactive workshop, attendees will explore risks at sea and suggestions how to mitigate and manage them. To start the exchange of experiences and sharing of knowledge, presenter can offer some examples from his time sailing yachts, navy submarines, surface ships as well as from investigations of the Dutch Safety Board: fires, platform computer failures, groundings, broken masts, dealing with pilots, collisions, breaking mooring lines etc.
The Safety Board investigates incidents and accidents in all domains, including maritime shipping. To structure investigations, dedicated reference frameworks are used for each specific incidents/accident. General points of attention in most reference frameworks are helpful in mitigating and managing risks at sea.
Speaker biography:
Pieter Bindt, RADM RNLN ret.
Pieter is the strategic advisor to the Hague Centre for Strategic Studies, Gateway Review Team Leader/trainer/evaluator and crisis management consultant at Boardroom@Crisis.
From May 2016 – Sep 2025 he was an associate board member of the Dutch Safety Board and is a member of the independent investigative committee into the evacuation out of Kabul in the second half of August 2021 (which reported in October 2023).
In April 2016 Pieter retired as Rear Admiral after five years as Director of the Netherlands Defense Intelligence and Security Service, serving customers at the cabinet, operational, and tactical level.
He has held several seagoing commands (submarines and surface ships – frigate and amphibious transport ship), “Teacher” of the NLD Submarine Command Course and command of the integrated, operational, deployable staff of the Royal Netherlands Navy; “Netherlands Maritime Force (NLMARFOR)”.
Amongst shore staff functions were Deputy Director Operational Policy, Naval planner at the Joint staff of the Chief of Defense and analyst at the Submarine Tactics and Weapons Group, Flag Officer Submarines, UK Royal Navy, Scotland.
As well as many months at sea in submarines and surface ships, Pieter has raced in dinghies and delivered, cruised and raced in yachts.
Speakers: Max mudie and Kris (Krzysztof) Romański Facilitator: Lucy Grodie
“It was only ever meant to be one race, a last hurrah for the tall ships”
That first race. 1956. It featured some familiar names – Christian Radich, Georg Stage, Sagres (the first one), Gladan and Falken. The British had to borrow a yacht from the Greek millionaire Stavros Niarchos. A race from Torbay to Lisbon.
And that should have been it. But public interest and press coverage was huge. A second race was organised, and then every other year until 1982, when it became an annual thing. And sail training became a modern phenomena. Tall ships were saved, or converted, or built. Modern high-tech navies embraced it. Ports competed to host it. Cutty Sark sponsored it for 30 years. And trainees learned that sail training was not so much about learning to sail but the adventure of working together and living together. And the race was always a proper race but the most important trophy was for Friendship. Promoting International friendship and understanding.
The Russians joined for the first time, in the middle of the Cold War. Danish scouts ate breakfast on Shabab Oman. Crews paraded through ports – smart cadets in uniform and trainees in fancy dress.
70 years have passed. In this session we look back at some of the great moments in sail training, look at the ships that have joined the fleet and talk about the people who have made it happen.
Speaker biographies:
Max Mudie first sailed on a tall ship in 1987 (just before the hurricane that flattened Southern England) and that began his love of tall ships. He’s not sure when he first picked up a camera but two years at Art College taught him everything about film-based photography. He photographed his first race in 1991. Chasing tall ships under sail has taken him all over the world. More recently he has been videoing the events in port and the ships at sea for Sail Training International. Away from tall ships he has snapped corporate PR, yacht races, youth sports events, cars, hotels, weddings and, of course, conferences. His home is in Gosport, UK
Kris (Krzysztof) Romański is a Journalist, reporter, photographer, tall ship buff. He has been taking pictures of maritime events since 2007. He published two photo albums, two books on tall ships (Pogoria, Fryderyk Chopin), and did feature articles following his voyages on several tall ships, including Gloria, Eagle, Union, Cisne Branco, Santa Maria Manuela and Juan Sebastian de Elcano. He was a news correspondent for Polish media from Velas Latinoamerica 2018 and 2022 as well as the Dar Młodzieży round-the-world cruise in 2018.
SpeakerS: THOMAS VAN ES and HAAKON VaTLE FACILITATOR: JR Arends
Sharing their extensive knowledge and experience, our two speakers will demonstrate how the Tall Ship family can make a positive difference to our shared and fragile world.
Rigs for a Sustainable Future
This session explores how the evolution of sailing rigs contributes to more sustainable tall ship operations today. By looking at broad trends in rig development—across sail plans, materials, and handling systems—we highlight how improved efficiency helps reduce reliance on engines and lowers overall environmental impact.
The presentation also considers how modern approaches to rig maintenance and material selection can support long-term sustainability, from reducing waste to extending the lifespan of key components.
Finally, the session reflects on how traditional sailing knowledge can inform today’s wider shift toward cleaner, wind-powered solutions in the maritime world. Rigs for a Sustainable Future offers a clear view of how both historic and modern rig choices can play a meaningful role in supporting environmentally responsible sail training.
Statsraad Lehmkuhl & One Ocean Expedition – Setting Sail for the Future
This session will give a presentation of the transformation of Statsraad Lehmkuhl into a sail training – AND research vessel and how we have been working with this since the planning of our first One Ocean Expedition in 2021, and how it has changed the course and vision for the ship and foundation. We cannot save the ocean alone, but see that our tall ship can make a positive difference.
The One Ocean Expedition is a recognized part of the UN`s Ocean Decade and our main goal is to create attention and share knowledge of the crucial role of the Ocean for a sustainable future in a global perspective.
Speaker biographIES:
Thomas van Es started working at Dykstra Naval Architects in 2008, following several years as a full-time crew member on various tall ships, including the Clipper Stad Amsterdam, Wylde Swan, and Noorderlicht. He studied Marine Engineering with a focus on square-rigged vessels, specializing in the design and engineering of square rigs, deck and sail plans, exterior styling, structural engineering, and refit projects. As both a project manager and naval architect, he was responsible for designing the Shabab Oman II and her sister ship Polang 8. He is currently involved in the new build project for Young Endeavour II. Additionally, Thomas teaches at the Dutch Enkhuizen Nautical College.
Haakon Vatle is Chief Operating Officer of Statsraad Lehmkuhl and was the expedition leader for the One Ocean Expedition. Haakon started his career on the deck of Statsraad Lehmkuhl where he sailed and worked every season from 1996 – 2005. From 2005 – 2016 he worked for large festivals in Norway, both building up his own festival as well as working as project advisor for The Tall Ships Races Bergen 2008, The Tall Ships Races Stavanger 2011 and was project manager for The Tall Ships Races Bergen 2014. In 2016 he came back to Statsraad Lehmkuhl, now as CEO and started immediately to plan the One Ocean Expedition – a 20-month circumnavigation of the globe and a recognized part of the UN Ocean Decade.
speaker: Pieter BINDT Facilitator: hollie weatherhead
Mass events have a number of characteristics that inherently hold crisis potential (ie: crowds – coming and going -, timeframes and deadlines, multiple cultures, constraints in budget and venue, media attention/visibility, VIPs, multiple stakeholders, authorities, organizers, participants, enablers, insurers,….). Prudent planning minimizes but cannot nullify this potential. What’s crucial is that all concerned in the event organization are fully on board to inventory risks, design and implement mitigating measures, including setting up and exercising a crisis management team and learning from others.
In this interactive workshop attendees can exchange experiences, best practices, operational perspectives etc. in order to confirm their best practices or potentially even improve them.
The speaker will start off the exchange with some general ideas on risk and crisis management.
Speaker biography:
Pieter Bindt, RADM RNLN ret.
Pieter is the strategic advisor to the Hague Centre for Strategic Studies, Gateway Review Team Leader/trainer/evaluator and crisis management consultant at Boardroom@Crisis.
From May 2016 – Sep 2025 he was an associate board member of the Dutch Safety Board and is a member of the independent investigative committee into the evacuation out of Kabul in the second half of August 2021 (which reported in October 2023).
In April 2016 Pieter retired as Rear Admiral after five years as Director of the Netherlands Defense Intelligence and Security Service, serving customers at the cabinet, operational, and tactical level.
He has held several seagoing commands (submarines and surface ships – frigate and amphibious transport ship), “Teacher” of the NLD Submarine Command Course and command of the integrated, operational, deployable staff of the Royal Netherlands Navy; “Netherlands Maritime Force (NLMARFOR)”.
Amongst shore staff functions were Deputy Director Operational Policy, Naval planner at the Joint staff of the Chief of Defense and analyst at the Submarine Tactics and Weapons Group, Flag Officer Submarines, UK Royal Navy, Scotland.
As well as many months at sea in submarines and surface ships, Pieter has raced in dinghies and delivered, cruised and raced in yachts.
