On Saturday 20th April, our longest serving vessel, Alba Venturer, celebrated her 25th birthday.
This 70-ft Bermudan ketch was gifted to the young people of Scotland from our patrons, Curly and Barbara Mills.
Since then, she has supported thousands of young people towards brighter futures through youth work on the waves.
On Facebook, we asked volunteers and friends of the Trust to share their favourite memories aboard Alba Venturer, and more than 30 people recalled their memories of tall ships, tall waves and plenty of adventure.
To celebrate Alba Venturer’s 25th birthday, here are 5 facts about this very special sail training vessel…
Fact 1 – Alba Venturer was launched in Ipswich in March 1999.
Fact 2 – In 2001, Alba Venturer sailed from Denmark to Dundee as part of the Tall Ships Races!
Fact 3 – Alba Venturer has a fluffy mascot named Millport! In 2023, someone was kind enough to sew Millport a pal. Say hello to Paisley!
Fact 4 – Each winter, refit of Alba Venturer costs around £25,000.
Fact 5 – Alba Venturer supports more than 300 young people each year. (That’s more than 7,500 over her 25 years at sea!)
If you would like to see Alba Venturer on the water for years to come, please consider making a donation. It is only with your generosity that Ocean Youth Trust Scotland continues to deliver life-changing youth work on the waves.