the Mast story
The Merseyside Sailing Trust or MAST has been providing Tall Ship experiences to young people for over 10 years. MAST was the brainchild of Jim Graves who had for many years previously been offering young people the opportunity to sail.
To date MAST has been able to offer the sailing experience to over 2000 young people from many and varied backgrounds. The Charity has worked with a diverse range of organisations and institutions which has ensured those participating benefit from engaging with young people that they may not normally have the opportunity to meet, that in itself is a major benefit.
Working with a diverse range of organisations and institutions has ensured those participating benefit from engaging with young people that they may not normally have the opportunity to meet.
I was born and raised in Liverpool in a busy and supportive family of ten siblings. I’d always wanted a career connected to the sea and joined the Merchant Navy as a Marine Engineer which started the beginning of my journey towards founding MAST. Working over several decades as a business consultant and mentor I have always been driven by a belief that positive change comes from the roots up. This is central to the MAST ethos and I am proud that over the last decade since founding the organisation, we have supported almost 3,000 individuals across the Liverpool city region. There is nothing that makes me prouder than seeing our young apprentices embarking on life-changing voyages aboard Tall Ships. In 2020 I was honoured to be awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for services to young people and the community. This was largely in recognition of the positive impact of MAST and the difference we have made in turning the lives around of so many young people.
As a trustee of the Merseyside Adventure Sailing Trust (MAST), I play an active role in shaping the charity’s strategy and ensuring its long-term impact. I bring a strong background with over 23 years in HR, learning and development, and organisational culture, with my current role as Head of Learning & Development at Peel Ports Group focused on driving business-aligned learning strategies. Within MAST, I lead on recruiting and developing volunteers, delivering relevant, high-quality mentoring training, and supporting young people throughout their journeys, shoreside and at sea—to help deliver MAST’s mission of youth development through adventure.
Born and raised in Merseyside, I have dedicated my career and time to empowering young people. I’m currently the CEO of Spark, a youth employment and enterprise hub that has supported thousands of local young people. As someone who had the privilege of experiencing Tall Ship sail training as a young person, I know firsthand the confidence, resilience and perspective it can offer. I’m passionate about supporting young people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, access the same life-changing opportunities and benefits that sail training can bring.
I have been a keen supporter of MAST for many years and so when I was invited to join the Board of Trustees I was delighted to accept. Working primarily in the Liverpool City Region, my professional background as a communications specialist and place-marketer, has afforded me insights into how engaging with MAST can empower our communities and support social value. Education comes in many forms and through positive engagement MAST not only supports the future careers of our young people but also enhances the talent pipeline that businesses require to drive economic growth and social value. I work at Liverpool John Moores University which, similar to MAST, raises people up, champions positive change and works in partnership with people and organisations to make a difference to the lives of others.
Trevor has been a Trustee of MAST from the Charity’s inception in 2013. His career included 30 years in Global Financial Services before establishing his own Management Consulting business specializing in Strategy and Management Development. Working with MAST he is responsible for financial management and corporate governance and contributing to the strategic direction of the charity.
The MAST Trustees are supported by facilitators that bring with them a wealth of knowledge and experience to enable the smooth running of the organisation.
Jim has been working with MAST in an Operational Support capacity for 12 years. A Chartered Shipbroker, Jim’s experience includes working for two of the world’s largest shipowners. A Retired Royal Navy Reserve Officer where he specialised in the Naval Control of Merchant Shipping, Jim subsequently served as Trustee of a local Sea Cadet Unit for 8 years prior to volunteering with MAST. He is also a qualified RYA Coastal Skipper and has experience on Tall Ships both as Crew and Mentor.
I am the Chairman of Carmet Tugs Limited and since the early 1970s we have been supporting the UK’s marine sector, providing towage and workboat services to our clients. A third-generation family business our ongoing support enables local ports, the offshore power industry and many more to operate effectively. From humble beginnings, the past fifty years has seen substantial growth for our company, and we have grown exponentially. I am delighted to be able to pass on my knowledge and experience to MAST and I’m enormously proud to support the next generation of maritime talent.
My journey with MAST started as a young person, setting sail on Tall Ships not once, but twice. Those early experiences sparked a passion for adventure and personal growth that’s stayed with me ever since. After serving eight years in the Royal Navy, I returned to MAST — this time as a volunteer mentor. I’ve supported young people through three Tall Ships races, offering down-to-earth, holistic support that goes beyond the sailing itself. Whether it’s helping to build confidence, encouraging teamwork, or simply being someone who listens, I am there to help young people thrive. Now a proud MAST Ambassador, I use my voice and lived experience to champion the life-changing power of sailing. I’m committed to opening up opportunities for young people from all backgrounds, proving that with the right support, there are no limits to what they can achieve — at sea or in life.
MAST is grateful to the many organisations and individuals that have supported us over the years. This includes companies from the Public and Private sectors, community groups and other charities.
We are also grateful recipients of funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund as well as a number of individual benefactors that share our passion to change the lives of our young people and enrich our local communities.
The contribution of MAST has been recognised by the Queens Award for Voluntary service and the Mersey Maritime Positive Impact Award (twice).
Thank You
