Sail Britain: Meet the Queens' alumnus inspiring positive change for our oceans

People have always loved stories from the sea. They are some of history’s most compelling tales; strange lands, exotic cargoes, daring exploits and voyages of discovery. But in a fast-paced and increasingly urban world, these stories are being forgotten. When the IPCC released their Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate in September, it was clear that the oceans were in a serious state of neglect, out of sight and out of mind. Moreover, we have little time to rescue the situation. With life on land utterly dependent on a healthy marine ecosystem, preserving the ocean is one of humanity’s most pressing environmental challenges.

As a skipper with CUYC during and after my time at Cambridge, I saw first-hand how the social space of a sailing boat had the ability to bring people together as a team, and huge potential for the development of ideas and to foster special personal connection with the sea. I founded Sail Britain to explore my interest in social and environmental interaction, as an interdisciplinary think tank for the oceans.

With four successful seasons under the keel, Sail Britain’s unique sailing programme is pushing the boundaries of ocean discourse in a fast-changing climate, and making the crucial connection between coastal communities and conservation. Alongside environmental issues such as the climate emergency and marine plastic pollution, we sail with artists exploring topics including the cultural importance of islands as alternative models for society, and connecting with the oceans though Gallic song.

As an outward looking project, we invite everyone to get involved, no matter what their background. At such a crucial moment for our oceans, we all need to be ocean ambassadors and we all have something meaningful to contribute.

Oliver Beardon (2005) read Architecture before taking time off to concentrate on his conservation work, founding Sail Britain in 2016. Since then he has led four seasons of interdisciplinary sailing projects, open to all, and has spoken widely about Sail Britain’s pioneering approach.

Sail Britain is currently inviting collaborators to take the project forward and fundraising to commission a traditional pilot cutter as a sea-going education platform. More information on this project at www.sailbritain.org or write to info@sailbritain.org.