"This idea of having singers on board is a fairly new venture"

We-e-e-ell, not strictly so - I've done getting on for 30 voyages and I've taken my own guitar, or used the 'ship's guitar' until heat/cold/moisture excesses/moisture deficiencies destroyed it. And I know quite a number of other performers (including one particular friend of mine who is something of a celebrity and star-turn in the folk world - although he'd hate me for saying it!) who did and still do.

The STA (or Tall Ships Youth Trust, to give it its current title) has always encouraged musicians and singers to sail and perform on board and in port, this seems merely to be a formalisation, in a specific voyage, of something that's always happened on an informal basis. And I can guarantee from my own experiences that anyone who decides to go will definitely receive a warm welcome, and a greal of appreciation.

S:0)