Jubilee Sailing Trust (JST) and Maritime Archaeology Sea Trust (MAST) to work together for greater maritime heritage awareness, above and below the oceans.

The Maritime Archaeology Sea Trust (MAST) and the Jubilee Sailing Trust (JST) are forming an innovative partnership to achieve a greater awareness of maritime cultural heritage above and below the oceans and the continuing importance of the sea to the environment and to seafaring communities.

MAST and its core partners are mostly focused on maritime heritage below the surface, most recently the major LIBOR-funded rescue excavation of the first HMS Invincible sunk in 1758 in the Solent or through its Maritime Observatory with partners Ocean Mind.

The JST’s energies are centred on its core vision of an inclusive world where all contribute and feel valued. JST has a unique mission, to give people of mixed abilities and circumstances the freedom to explore their ability, potential and place in the world through inclusive tall ship adventures at sea.

Both charities are concerned that a sea blindness exists that obscures the vital importance of learning and celebrating our nation’s past to better protect its future.

Patrick Fleming said: “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. “

Jessica Berry said: “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.”

Both charities are also committed to supporting The United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) initiative to reverse the cycle of decline in ocean health and establish improved conditions for sustainable development and research of the ocean.

MAST is accredited to the Governing Bodies of the 2001 UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural History.