The Jubilee Sailing Trust (JST) is pleased to announce that Charles Humpleby has been appointed as its new Chair and Jessica Berry joins as a Trustee, with effect from 1st January 2021.

Taking over from James Crill who stepped down at the end of 2020, Charles has been a passionate supporter of the Trust’s work for several years, serving as Committee Chair for JST’s Jersey volunteer branch. A family man and keen yachtsman, Charles has raced in Jersey and Hong Kong and is relishing the opportunity to get onboard Tenacious.

His professional background is in the financial services industry, with experience spanning almost three decades, working most recently as Director of the Barclays Family Office in Jersey.

Charles Humpleby said: “It’s an honour to be joining such an inspiring organisation, who do so much for people no matter their background or ability. I’ve been a huge fan and supporter of the Trust for many years, and can’t wait to work more closely with the crew, shore-based team and our supporters.

“I’m acutely aware I’m joining at a challenging time. We are living with the continued impact of the global pandemic and the world is a different place. Our voyages, our fundraising, how we work with supporters – there’s much work to be done to ensure a safe, secure and bright future for the Trust. But there’s a great team in place and with Tenacious through her special survey, I know we’re all ready to get to work.”

Also joining the Trust’s Board of Trustees is Jessica Berry, an author and CEO and founder of the charity Maritime Archaeology Sea Trust (MAST). She is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries and a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.

Through MAST, Jessica brings extensive experience in understanding our nation’s maritime heritage, and how we use this knowledge to protect our future. She is an author and spent the first ten years of her working life as a journalist, mainly for the Sunday broadsheets both in the UK and internationally.

Jessica Berry said: “I’m delighted to be part of the Board of Trustees for such an innovative organisation. With our shared maritime interests, I’m looking forward to learning more as Tenacious sets sail around UK waters in the spring, and bringing my experience into the fold.

“JST and MAST are both focussed on exciting opportunities on the ocean, and its crucial importance to the environment both above and below the sea. Our two organisations have a great opportunity to collaborate on mutually beneficial projects.”

Patrick Fleming, JST’s Chief Executive, said: “It’s fantastic news that we’re welcoming Charles and Jessica at the start of what will be a critical year for the JST. We’re excited to work closely with them, share more about the work of the Trust and to learn from them too. Welcome aboard Charles and Jessica.”

Patrick has also been appointed as a Director and Trustee of MAST. He adds: “The work that Jessica and MAST do is extraordinary and so incredibly valuable to our understanding of maritime history and archaeology. There is much work to be done to discover and protect wrecks beneath the ocean and the amazing role they play in enhancing our understanding of the past. A natural part of this is to be constantly vigilant to the environmental changes taking place on the seabed. “