Welcome to the American Sail Training Association


ASTA Banner Montage: Graeme J.W.Smith

2008 "FLOAT THE BOAT" Annual Appeal Campaign

"My character builds from a weenie pebble to a massive, two-ton boulder atop a mountain.  I feel strong and proud and confident. I have found my place in this world.  
I am not lost, nor am I purposeless."

-Natalie Tarr, Recipient of a 2007 Henry H. Anderson Sail Training Scholarship

Dear Friends,

Each year, thousands of youth participate in ASTA member programs, developing self confidence and team spirit that only sailing on a tall ship can provide.  Thanks to past support from individuals like you, we are able to make a difference in young lives like Natalie’s. 

Earlier this year, our international partner, Sail Training International, released the results of a research study by the University of Edinburgh that confirms the life-changing power of sail training of the kind that Natalie experienced. 

With the help of a federal grant, ASTA has been busy expanding the reach of this experience.  The grant helped launch the Tall Ships® Youth Adventure Program, through which a number of ASTA member vessels were selected to introduce nearly 500 at-risk young trainees to the positive effects of sail training that will prepare them to cope with the challenges they will encounter throughout their lives.

Sailing vessels are the ultimate green, cost-free power and a great way to engage the public toward a sustainable future.  Since ASTA’s TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® began in 2001, more than 8 million visitors in more than 30 ports have witnessed the tall ship spectacle.  Sailing vessels and the TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® Race Series are a powerful platform to carry the vibrant message of environmental sustainability. 

Now, more than ever, your investment in this year’s Annual Fund is pivotal.  What we do makes an important difference in the lives of thousands of individuals – and builds a stronger fabric for our society as a whole.
 
As a special challenge to you, ASTA Commodore and long-time supporter Harry Anderson has generously agreed to match new and increased contributions to our 2007 Annual Appeal. Your tax-deductible gift is an important investment in the future of our youth and community.

We know that you receive requests for financial support from many other worthy causes.  We hope you will consider a gift to ASTA’s 2007 Annual Appeal.  The good work achieved by your support will allow us to bring the power of the tall ships experience into many more lives. 

Thank you and Fair Winds,

Michael J. Rauworth, Board Chair

 $80000
$75000
$70000
$65000
$60000
$56600  
$50000
$45000
$40000
$35000
$30000
$25000
$22000
$15000
$10000
$5000
News From Our Members
The University of Pittsburgh to offer a 4-credit course called onboard the US Brig Niagara
U-Pitt is now actively recruiting up to 20 students for this course. All college students interested in this course are encouraged to contact the University of Pittsburgh, History Department (as directed in the attachment) as soon as possible.
Restoring the Schooner ERNESTINA
ERNESTINA was built in Essex in 1894, and became famous fishing the Grand Banks.  The vessel later explored the Arctic and served in World War II.  After the war, ERNESTINA became one of the last sailing vessels to transport immigrants, bringing people from the Cape Verde Islands to New England.  In 1982, the people of the Cape Verdes donated ERNESTINA to Massachusetts.  The vessel moored in New Bedford, and conducted a variety of educational programs.  Funding problems have kept ERNESTINA dockside since 2004.

UNIQUE PROGRAM TO TEACH TRADITIONAL SAILMAKING FOR TALL SHIP SAILORS GHHSA teams with leading boatbuilding school and sailmakers for intensive class

USCG Approved BST at SEA
Taught on Campus in Woods Hole and at New England Maritime (fire fighting
portion) Dec 10th -14th $550 includes housing and the firefighting fee......20 maximum (currently at 7 students need 10 to run)

Please let Liz Maloney know your are interested. lmaloney@sea.edu or 1- 800
552 3633 x11.. First come first serve.

 

Picton Castle sets sail on new adventure exploring the ports and cultures of the Atlantic
She’s circled the globe four times, delivering much-needed supplies to remote island schools, conducting impromptu medical clinics, trading with the islanders and introducing nearly 1,000 people to the challenges and rewards of sailing a square rigged ship...
Youth Sail Training Voyages Aboard the Schooner Virginia!
To learn more read the blog ....
More Member News  
ASTA Banner Montage: Graeme J.W.Smith
The American Sail Training Association is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization focused on youth education, leadership development and the preservation of the maritime heritage of North America. In addition to organizing the TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® Series, ASTA manages scholarship programs to make sail training experiences more affordable for young people, grant programs to assist crew of ASTA member vessels with the costs of professional development courses and licensing requirements and publishes SAIL TALL SHIPS! A Directory of Sail Training and Adventure at Sea.  If you would like to learn more about ASTA programs, becoming a member, contributing or volunteering at Tall Ships® events, please send an email to asta@sailtraining.org or call the ASTA office at 401-846-1775.
ASTA is a Founder Member of
Sail Training International logo
The mission of the American Sail Training Association is to encourage character building through sail training, promote sail training to the North American public and support education under sail.
Tall Ships®, Tall Ships Are Coming!®, TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® and the sailing ship logo ASTA Boat are registered trademarks and service marks owned by the American Sail Training Association.