The MAST Story
Founded in 2009, Merseyside Adventure Sailing Trust (MAST) has spent over 15 years creating opportunities for young people to experience the adventure and possibilities of tall ship sailing.
MAST was the brainchild of founder Jim Graves BEM, who had spent many years introducing young people to sailing and recognising the incredible opportunities it could create. Building on that passion, MAST was established to make these experiences accessible to even more young people, whatever their background or circumstances.
Since then, we’ve provided over 2,000 young people with the opportunity to step aboard, discover new experiences, develop valuable life skills and build friendships that might never otherwise have happened.
Working alongside a diverse range of organisations, schools, charities and corporate partners, we’ve brought together young people from different backgrounds, creating an environment built on inclusion, teamwork and shared experiences.
Today, MAST continues to be driven by the same belief that started it all: every young person deserves the opportunity to discover their potential, challenge themselves and experience something extraordinary.
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.
Jim Graves BEM, Founder of MAST
Queens Award for Voluntary Service
MAST is incredibly proud to have been recognised through The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS), the highest award given to local volunteer groups in the UK.
This prestigious recognition celebrates the dedication, commitment and impact of our volunteers, whose passion makes everything we do possible. From delivering life-changing tall ship experiences to creating opportunities for young people to develop confidence, resilience and new skills, their contribution is at the heart of MAST.
Our recognition reflects the collective efforts of everyone involved in MAST and we’re immensely proud of the difference our volunteers continue to make to young people’s lives and communities across the Liverpool City Region.
Peter Oliver OBE is His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside and the King’s representative across the county. Peter has a strong background in leadership and digital transformation, alongside a long-standing commitment to volunteering and supporting young people. As Patron of MAST, Peter supports MAST’s work to give young people opportunities to build confidence, resilience, teamwork and life skills through life-changing experiences at sea.
Lady Anne Dodd is a prominent supporter of charitable and community causes across Merseyside. She is a Senior Trustee of the Ken Dodd Charitable Foundation and continues to champion the legacy of her late husband, Sir Ken Dodd, through support for young people, education and charitable causes across the region. Lady Dodd’s support has helped young people experience tall ship sailing through the annual Sir Ken and Lady Dodd Tall Ship Experience, developing confidence, teamwork and personal responsibility at sea.
Jim Graves BEM founded MAST in 2009, building on a lifelong connection with the sea and a passion for creating opportunities for young people. Having started his career as a Marine Engineer in the Merchant Navy, Jim went on to spend several decades working as a business consultant and mentor. His belief in positive, community-led change became the foundation of MAST, which has since provided over 2,000 young people with opportunities to develop confidence, resilience and life skills through tall ship sailing. In 2020, Jim was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to young people and the community.
Trevor Mawhinney joined the MAST Board of Trustees in 2013, bringing extensive experience in financial services, business strategy and management development. Following a 30-year career in global financial services, Trevor established his own management consultancy, specialising in strategy and organisational development. At MAST, he supports the charity’s financial management, corporate governance and strategic direction, helping to ensure its long-term sustainability and continued opportunities for young people.
Kevin Rodgers is CEO of Spark, a youth employment and enterprise hub supporting young people across the Liverpool City Region. Having experienced tall ship sailing himself as a young person, Kevin understands first-hand the confidence, resilience and perspective these experiences can develop. Through his work with MAST, he is passionate about helping young people, particularly those facing additional barriers, access opportunities that broaden their horizons and help them realise their potential.
Claire McKay brings over 23 years of experience in human resources, learning and development and organisational culture to her role as a MAST Trustee. As Head of Learning & Development at Peel Ports Group, Claire specialises in developing people and delivering learning strategies that support organisational growth. At MAST, she leads on volunteer recruitment and development, mentoring training and supporting young people throughout their journeys, both ashore and at sea.
Shulah Jones is a communications and place-marketing specialist working across the Liverpool City Region. Through her professional experience and work with Peel Ports Group, Shulah brings valuable insight into community engagement, partnership working and social value. As a MAST Trustee, she is passionate about the role education and positive experiences play in opening up opportunities for young people, supporting future careers and helping communities and businesses thrive.
Greg Jones’ journey with MAST began as a young person, taking part in two tall ship voyages that inspired his passion for adventure and personal development. Following eight years of service in the Royal Navy, Greg returned to MAST as a volunteer mentor, supporting young people across three tall ship voyages. Now as Head of Operations, he uses his experience to encourage others, build confidence and help young people recognise their potential, both at sea and beyond.
Jim O’Neill has supported MAST in an operational capacity for over 12 years, bringing extensive maritime knowledge and experience to the charity. A Chartered Shipbroker, Jim has worked for two of the world’s largest shipowners and is a retired Royal Navy Reserve Officer, specialising in the Naval Control of Merchant Shipping. He is also a qualified RYA Coastal Skipper and has considerable tall ship experience as both crew and mentor, alongside eight years as a Trustee of a local Sea Cadet Unit.
Capt. Brett Metcalfe is Chairman of Carmet Tugs Limited, a third-generation family business that has supported the UK’s marine sector since the early 1970s. With decades of experience in towage and workboat services, Brett brings valuable maritime knowledge and industry insight. Through his support of MAST, he is passionate about sharing his experience, supporting the development of young people and helping inspire the next generation of maritime talent.