Classic ships are back next month

With support from the Set Sail Trust and other local businesses, the two 60ft wooden-hulled classic ships are returning for their fifth consecutive year to take children, youth groups and under-privileged groups out onto the open ocean.

It is expected that more than 300 schoolchildren will be involved along with some 35 other groups and corporate ambassadors in races that are due to take place when the two ships, Amelie Rose and Merlin, are in the island from 16 to 24 June.

International Asset Monitor is one of Set Sail Trust's four trustees, and managing director Michael Strachan said groups that donate would help bring joy to those who would otherwise not get to take part.

'For a donation of £1,500 the corporate ambassadors fund a day of sailing for community groups and schoolchildren and it's always a delight to see their faces when they return to shore. The ambassadors are then entered into the Bristol Cutters Evening Challenge and so we get a taste of sailing these beautiful vessels too.'

Seven organisations have signed up to support the initiative as corporate ambassadors, but more are needed to ensure its success.