Sail Training Association helps young Bermudians receive financial assistance to travel to European and East Coast ports each summer where they join Tall Ships as sail trainees in various Tall Ships races.  When the Tall Ships came to Bermuda last summer as part of the Island’s 400^th Anniversary of permanent settlement celebration, many young Bermudians, most with little to no previous sailing experience, were placed as sail trainees on various legs of the seven-port race.

In 2000 when the Tall Ships visited Bermuda for the Tall Ships Race of the Century, John played a key role as Deputy Chairman and Finance Chairman and over 150 young people from Bermuda were placed on Tall Ships as sail trainees.  John led Bermuda’s effort to host the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge 2009 and the June 2009 Tall Ships Festival on Front Street, Hamilton, was the largest and most successful 400^th Anniversary project that attracted 23 Tall Ships from around the world, brought 1,500 sail trainees to Bermuda and saw 100 young Bermudians – and a few older ones, placed as sail trainees.  The event brought the entire Bermuda community together in a spirit of friendship, volunteering and camaraderie.  Sail Training International awarded Sail Training Association Bermuda, the Robin Duchesne Memorial trophy, also known as “Robin’s Hat” for outstanding services to sail training.

As a Director of Sail Training International, John continues to promote regional development of sail training activities in the Western Atlantic and the Caribbean – much to the continued benefit of Bermuda’s young people.

Congratulations and well done John - from all of your support team at Sail Training Association Bermuda.  We are very proud of you!