Libby Purves
“There is a peculiar magic about the tall ships, which nothing else quite matches. The ships are beautiful creatures, graceful and intricate and purposeful: to climb the mast or stand on the bow and feel the driving of the sails is a high delight. But it is more than that.

The real magic is the knowledge that human effort, human teamwork, from the Captain down to the greenest cadet, is needed to drive these awkward, beautiful creatures across the sea. Every sea-mile the ship makes is a tribute to the muscles and determination of the crew”.

“Largest...most modern square rigged education and adventure sailing ship in the world”

FSP21 – the Future Ship Project for the 21st century – will create the largest and most modern square-rigged education and adventure training and research sailing ship in the world. FSP21 will be a flagship for the nation.

Known as the University of the Oceans, the project will be aimed predominantly at young people, with the intention of helping them to explore and experience the world around them. The ship will provide outstanding environmental research facilities and will become a prestigious and unique international maritime academy.

A maritime education and adventure training combination has proved to be outstandingly successful overseas, but has not been pursued to this major extent in the UK until now. more

The University of the Oceans will provide unique opportunities for young people pursuing a variety of paths. more

Get more information if you are an individual, trust or corporation and are interested in offering your support to the project more

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Latest news

  • 05/10/2007
    New Website!
    Welcome to the launch of the new website for the University of the Oceans. On this site you can view the latest news, role of the ship, financials and team and support.
    read more
  • 04/02/2012
    Revised web site
    We apologise that this web site has not kept up with the news in the media in January 2012. The web site will be fully updated over the next few weeks.
    read more