Date: January 20, 2012

- Devon based “Provident” to join the Diamond Jubilee Pageant -

The Brixham sailing trawler “Provident” has been chosen to take part in The Queen’s Diamond JubileePageant celebrations on the River Thames in June.

On Sunday 3rd June Provident will join up to a thousand other vessels on the River Thames for what will be the largest flotilla of modern times. Rowing boats, working boats and pleasure vessels of all shapes and sizes beautifully dressed with streamers and Union Jacks, will stretch for an estimated twelve and a half miles. Provident will form part of the 'Avenue of Sail’ of larger vessels through which Her Majesty and other members of the Royal Family on the royal barge will pass.

Following a hotly contested application process, everyone involved with Trinity Sailing Foundation is thrilled that one of their ships has been selected to be part of the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant.

Trustee Struan Coupar said: “We are delighted we can support this historic royal event and join one the greatest gathering of craft in our lifetime. Provident is an important part of the UK’s maritime heritage and a prime example of the Brixham sailing trawler, a famous design that brought about a revolution in fishing around the country.

Provident is a gaff-rigged ketch, built in 1924 at Galmpton on the River Dart and at 90ft long is one of the medium-sized 'mule' class of sailing trawlers. The Brixham sailing trawlers were legendary deep sea fishing vessels - their design combining strength and stability with manoeuvrability and speed. Provident is one of only a handful of these famous vessels still in use, and is now operated by the Trinity Sailing Foundation for sail training and sailing holidays from their base in Brixham. She and two of Trinity’s other traditional vessels are three of just 100 vessels that form the National Historic Fleet, alonside the likes of HMS “Victory” and the “Cutty Sark”.

Now converted for her modern role, she provides an excellent opportunity for those who want to experience life under traditional sail and as a means of helping young people develop and learn new skills. Indeed, it seems fitting that a group of young people from Enfield in North London will be sailing her intoLondon to take up her position in the flotilla”.

Matthew Maxted, Operations Director at Trinity added: “Provident, like our other vessels, provides the perfect environment to get the best out of the young people we work with. The sailing voyage to London will be a real challenge for these young people from Enfield and will test their skills and team working, but what better way to make a home-coming than by travelling up the Thames, to be part of this spectacular occasion”.

-- ENDS --

For information about Trinity Sailing Foundation, including jpeg photos of “Provident”:Matthew Maxted, Trinity Sailing Foundation - 01803 883355matt@trintiysailing.co.uk

For information about the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant:Kate Levine, Pagefield - 020 3327 4055/ 07740473641Michelle Lavipour, Pagefield - 020 3327 4058, 07940 735 313

Notes to editors:

The Trinity Sailing Foundation (www.trinitysailingtrust.org)The Trinity Sailing Foundation is a registered charity (No. 1137405) which has two principal objectives: To assist the personal development of disadvantaged young people through offshore sailing

on traditional vessels

To restore and preserve its vessels as important examples of our maritime heritage

The Trust is based in Brixham, South Devon, and operates four sail training vessels: the former sailing trawlers ‘Leader’ and ‘Provident’, the gaff cutter ‘Golden Vanity’ and the former fishing smack ‘Spirit of Britannia’. They were built between 1892 and 1924, and are all on the National Register of Historic Ships.

Trinity was established in 1999 by bringing together three previously-separate organisations with wide experience in the fields of sail training and maritime heritage. Trinity is a member of the Association of Sail Training Organisations (ASTO) and a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) recognised sail training establishment.

Provident (today) (in 1920’s)