The new 164-foot Irish pine ship ‘Grace O’Malley’ is secured by the Atlantic Youth Trust in Sweden
The Atlantic Youth Trust Charity, led by Round the World sailor Enda O’Coineen, says a 164-foot Tradewind schooner it proposes to call “STV Grace O’Malley” will serve as the new “flagship” to introduce young people people all over the island of Ireland to shipping and careers.
As Afloat reported in October 2021, says O’Coineen, a former director of Coiste an Asgard, “we have long fought for the need to replace Ireland’s lost sailing training vessel Asgard II in a dynamic and creative new way”.
Supporters of the Atlantic Youth Trust traveled to Sweden to test the new vessel in November and the reports of the visit are very positive for the project, which will rely on public and private funding.
The Charity says the high ship will play a key role in the areas of research, innovation, tourism promotion and the provision of support for vulnerable young people.
The hope is that the ship can become a floating embassy for Ireland at events at home and abroad, ranging from Tall Ships competitions to trade events while fulfilling her core mission of youth and reconciliation.
It is understood that a “mini-refit” will be required to suit Irish purposes. According to O’Coineen, she will need some cosmetic work on deck and will need to be repainted. Much of the running rig, which is now several years old, will need to be replaced.
It is expected that the current 35 berths, many of them with ensuite specifications, will need to be expanded to 40 or 45 to accommodate 30 trainees, five full professional crews and five experienced youth leaders.
The new ship is a copy of a famous wooden ship The Lady Ellen from the 19th century. A successful Swedish industrialist who had seen her as a boy, loved her lines and had a replica rebuilt to the highest specifications within Submarine Steel.
Owned and used in recent years by Tarbet Shipping based in Skarhamn, she has crossed the Atlantic 17 times and has been maintained, regulated and certified according to the highest standards.