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Jo Grindley’s career has been a diverse journey and not always plain sailing, from international banking to the British Sailing Team, from journalism to founding a sports marketing agency, from athlete agent to America’s Cup team builder, and now CEO of the 1851 Trust and a driving force behind Athena Sports Group, she has, as she puts it, learned by doing at every turn.

On International Women’s Day, we sat down with Jo to talk about dyslexia as a superpower, the courage it takes to change course, and using her voice to support others and accelerate change.

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You’ve had an extraordinarily varied career. Where did it all begin?

Honestly, it began with not knowing. At 18, I had no idea what I was good at. I went to the US, started a degree, didn’t finish it, came back to the UK, and walked into a job at an international bank. I stayed for eight years. Then the opportunity came to pursue Olympic sailing, and most people would have looked at a stable career with a clear path ahead and said I can’t walk away from this, but I jumped in with both feet.

I funded myself by working as a journalist, learning PR, picking up marketing wherever I could. When I stopped competing, I had a new collection of skills and at 30 with two small children I took a leap of faith and started a sports marketing agency. Ben Ainslie had just won his first Olympic gold in Sydney and became one of my first clients, and I worked as his agent through his next three Olympic campaigns. That relationship has now lasted over 25 years and eventually led to building an America’s Cup team, a SailGP team, Women’s and Youth America’s Cup teams and a charity the 1851 Trust.

Tell us about the 1851 Trust

When we setup the America’s Cup team it was important to find the impact we could have through the sport, we know how sport can unite and inspire, so we setup the 1851 Trust. It was about how we could give young people a world class education and opportunity to learn differently in real life contexts. We created learning experiences built around the science, technology, engineering and maths behind high performance sport. Watching a foiling boat fly and understanding why that’s happening. That’s physics in action. Put physics in a textbook in front of me and I struggle. Show it to me, and I understand it immediately. For so many young people, that’s the difference between switching on and switching off and through the 1851 Trust we want to create the access and opportunity to change this.You’ve spoken openly about being dyslexic. How did that shape you?

Everyone has a superpower, and you just need to give people the confidence to find it.  For everyone to perform at their best they require something different, the space and creativity to excel and once you find that there is no limit to what you can achieve, and that’s something we’re passionate about supporting through the 1851 Trust.

You’ve spoken openly about being dyslexic. How did that shape you?

School wasn’t easy place for me, I was dyslexic. the environment valued academia, spelling tests and all learning was from a textbook with people talking at you. I was different, and none of that worked for me. What I have come to understand is that dyslexia gave me a different more creative way of thinking, it’s genuinely a superpower, it just took me a little while to recognise that. Everyone has a superpower, and you just need to give people the confidence to find it.  For everyone to perform at their best they require something different, the space and creativity to excel and once you find that there is no limit to what you can achieve, and that’s something we’re passionate about supporting through the 1851 Trust.

You work alongside some of sailing’s greatest athletes — Ben Ainslie, Hannah Mills. What unites them?

A genuine commitment to giving back. Ben is groundbreaking in every sense, the most decorated Olympic sailor in history, the founder of a multi-sport sailing group, but what strikes me most about him is that he’s never stopped asking what more he can do, not just for himself, but for the sport and for the young people coming through. Hannah is the same. They both understand that the platform they’ve built carries a responsibility.

That’s the vision we all share: to make sailing truly representative of society.

Do you think sailing a progressive sport for women?

In some ways yes, we’re one of the few sports where men and women can compete on a level playing field, the momentum is building. Our sport is changing and there are more opportunities for women, and I understand the responsibility within the roles that I have to support more women to excel in this sport that we love, hopefully we can make a difference in the future to have a more diverse sport.  The progress is more clearly seen in the athletes and quotas within teams, but that isn’t reflected in the same way of diversity in management teams and boards, so I would love to see a more diverse group of people represented to move the impact that sport can have further forward. Everyone thinks slightly differently and if you have the same group of people thinking the same way and you’re trying to solve a problem then you’re probably going to come up with the same answers. You need people to challenge and think differently to ensure you covering all bases to achieve your goals.

Is there anything you wish you’d done differently?

I wish I’d used my voice sooner. Action and words matter they create permission for others and accelerate change. As my career progressed one of the most meaningful parts is to watch the growth in others, and to be able to give back where I can to see them become the best versions of themselves. Sport is about continuous learning, it has been a very male dominated arena, but things are changing, and I hope I support this change.

What advice would you give to a young woman starting out?

Try everything, don’t let stereotypes narrow your horizon because of stereotypes. Anyone can do anything it’s what you choose to do and what your superpower is and what you’re good at. Don’t be afraid of change, don’t get complacent – strive to be better and not to settle. Life is a continual learning process, I’m learning AI right now, something that comes naturally to my daughters, but something I’m having to re-learn, life moves at pace and you have to move with it. 

One word to describe yourself?

Determined. I have a dogged determination to use whatever platform I have to create impact on the things I really care about: whether it’s the environment, young people, and the empowerment of women. That’s what keeps me motivated – alongside winning.

Jo Grindley is CEO of the 1851 Trust and CMO/COO of the Athena Sports Group. The 1851 Trust believes every young person deserves access to a world-class education, real learning, rooted in the real world. Because potential isn’t rare, the opportunity to unlock it is. We’re on a mission to inspire the next generation of innovators, leaders, and problem-solvers. The 1851 Trust works with young people across the UK and globally delivering digital and live STEM education for young people aged 8-16. Trusted by over 42% of UK secondary schools and taught across 31 countries.

#IWD2025 | #FindYourSuperpower | #1851Trust | #AthenaSportsGroup

The Andrew Simpson Foundation (ASF) and 1851 Trust are leading a new community programme to be delivered in Portsmouth this July, the programme aims to provide an inspiring and exciting learning experience alongside the highly anticipated Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix Portsmouth event. 

The four-day activation will engage school children and local community groups in a wide-ranging programme focused on sailing and hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) sessions. The initiative is made possible as multiple organisations come together through a shared commitment from delivery partners and funders, which include the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) – the Official Community Impact Partner for Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix in Portsmouth, and Energise Me.  

Taking place from 17th–20th July at an RYA Beach Club, the programme will offer a unique waterfront experience. Activities will include keelboat sailing, as well as wingsurfing taster sessions on the water – delivered by the ASF, alongside interactive, curriculum-linked STEM sessions on climate, engineering, and technology – delivered by the 1851 Trust. The sessions will feature coding sphero robotic balls around a race course, and a maths and physics session where young people will design, build and strength test model boats.  The two organisations have worked closely together over the last decade delivering the 1851 Trust Rebels programme where over 8000 young people from 12 locations across the UK took part in STEM and on water activity days.  

“The Andrew Simpson Foundation strongly believes partnership working significantly expands and diversifies opportunities in and around the water for young people.  

“We are looking forward on drawing upon the excitement that the SailGP event will bring to the area, to provide access to young people to explore new activities they may otherwise not have the chance to partake in.”  – Josh Atherton, ASF Development Project Manager

As a not-for-profit organisation, the ASF works to remove any true or perceived barriers to enable and encourage all young people to participate in sailing and watersports. 

The community activation programme builds on the success of the RYA’s Formula Kite European’s social impact initiative, delivered by ASF, elevating engagement through STEM Crew, the 1851 Trust’s free digital platform used by more than 40% of UK secondary schools. Through sports inspired STEM resources, it connects young people to real-world science and sustainability in a way that is both accessible and relevant. 

“At the 1851 Trust we understand the power of sport to inspire and empower young people, transforming how they connect with the world and see their future within it.

“We are excited to partner with the ASF and reignite the on-water programme that connects so well to our hands on STEM education sessions, these partnerships are crucial to support young people in deprived areas with barriers to education and opportunity.

“Our work is driven by belief in young people’s potential, through our free to access education programme STEM crew we help teachers unlock potential, spark ambition, and create opportunities to inspire futures for young people in STEM, Green and Maritime careers.” – Jo Grindley, CEO 1851 Trust

The first two days of the programme (17–18 July) will welcome schools from across Portsmouth, building on the momentum of the Hampshire School Games’ STEM and sustainability challenges. The top-performing schools will be invited to take part in practical, hands-on activities that bring classroom learning to life. 

Over the SailGP race weekend (19–20 July), the focus shifts to the wider community, with sessions for local organisations including Urbond, Pompey in the Community, the Royal Navy, Motiv8, EnableAbility, Portsmouth Young Carers, and the Parenting Network. A walk-in STEM zone will also be available, offering engaging resources for families and visitors. 

“We’re proud to be the Official Community Impact Partner for the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix in Portsmouth, joining forces with the Andrew Simpson Foundation to help more people connect with the water. The RYA Beach Club is a brilliant way to get local young people involved, and with support from our OnBoard resources, we’re showing that sailing is for everyone — it’s fun, inclusive, and a great way to build confidence and learn new skills.

“Collaboration creates stronger, longer-lasting impact, and we’re excited to keep growing these partnerships to help power up Portsmouth and bring lasting benefits to the whole community.”– Rob Clark, RYA Director of Sport Development

“Energise Me are delighted to be part of such an exciting opportunity to connect local schools and community organisations. Portsmouth’s coastline offers a wealth of opportunities to be active. By partnering with the RYA, Andrew Simpson Foundation and 1851 Trustwe hope to increase access to and inspire lifelong participation and engagement with these activities.” – Sharon Roberston, Head of Children and Young people, Energise Me

By working together, the programme partners aim to provide fun, meaningful opportunities for young people to try something new and learn in a different environment. It’s a chance to inspire them through sport alongside the excitement of SailGP. 

Goodwall, the leading youth social network for impact, and the 1851 Trust, a charity using sport inspired learning to educate and empower young people through STEM and climate education has collaborated to launch the #PowerUp Challenge. A global initiative using the excitement of elite sport to engage five million young people in climate action.  

Harnessing the inspiration of Olympic gold medal-winning athletes like Hannah Mills and Sir Ben Ainslie, and the innovative mindset of teams like Emirates GBR SailGP, #PowerUp invites young people worldwide to explore how renewable energy is transforming high performance sports. 

The #PowerUp Challenge delivers bite-sized content that’s easy to understand, engaging a global youth audience and educating them about the vital role clean energy plays. By connecting green energy concepts with real-world sports narratives, participants learn in ways that are thrilling, relatable and impactful. The aim is to ignite conversations around green solutions, educate young minds, and equip the next generation with the skills to tackle pressing climate challenges.

To enter participants will showcase their creativity and knowledge producing short videos, breaking down renewable energy concepts or highlighting real-world green innovations for the chance to win a grand cash prize, alongside runner up prizes of for the top ten entries. Teachers and schools can also bring the challenge into the classroom with a school pack designed to allow young people under 16 to participate, supported by free climate education resources on the 1851 Trust’s digital platform STEM Crew. 

Key Aims of #PowerUp:

• Mobilise and inspire over 5 million youth in the first year
• Empower 150 million young people over the next three years through climate education
• Pave the way for 2 million Green STEM jobs by 2030

In collaboration as ‘Race for the Future Purpose Partner’ to Emirates GBR the 1851 Trust developed a library of free climate resources for 8–16-year-olds available on its digital education platform STEM Crew. Using the inspiration of athletes and global community of sport, these resources empower young people with the knowledge to take climate action, accelerating changes in behaviours and helping the next generation become the environmental problem solvers of the future. This initiative continues their joint mission to educate three million young people about the climate crisis by the end of the 2025 Season. 

The #PowerUp Challenge will play a central role in the team’s submission for the Impact League, SailGP’s podium for the planet, a competition that runs alongside the on-water sailing championship and rewards teams for taking action to protect the planet and make sailing more inclusive. Key focus areas include: Zero Waste, Accelerating Inclusion, Climate Action and Breaking Boundaries for gender equality in sailing. In Season 4, the Emirates GBR SailGP Team claimed victory in the Impact League, and is now setting its sights on defending the title in the 2025 Season. 

This challenge not only raises awareness but also connects young talent to real-world opportunities in the renewable energy sector, with Emirates GBR’s purpose partner Low Carbon offering mentorship opportunities to young people interested in green skill jobs. The renewable energy sector alone is expected to create 40 million new jobs by 2050, young people can register for this exciting opportunity by participating in the #PowerUp Challenge on the Goodwall App. 

Goodwall empowers youth to maximize their potential and impact society positively. “We’re inviting the world’s youth to discover the science behind renewable energy and how it’s fuelling world-class sports, all while showcasing the tangible career opportunities this sector offers.” Taha Bawa, Goodwall Co-Founder and CEO

How to Join #PowerUp Challenge

1. Head to www.stemcrew.org/goodwall
2. Download the Goodwall app (iOS/Android)
3. Learn through bite-sized videos on renewable energy and athletes and sports teams who are reducing their impacts
4. Create a 30–90 second video explaining or demonstrating a clean energy concept
5. Share your video with #PowerUp and a caption about why renewable energy matters

One Grand Prize Winner $500
Ten runner up winners $200 
All 11 winners will be invited to participate in a digital mentorship opportunity with Low Carbon, a company building renewable energy projects around the world.

Deadline for Entries is 22^nd June 2025. 

All winning videos will be featured by the Emirates GBR SailGP team during the Great Britain Sail Grand Prix in Portsmouth in July 2025. 

Find out more : www.stemcrew.org/goodwall

1851 Trust Guest Blogger – Hannah Mills OBE

1851 Trust ambassador Hannah Mills is a double Olympic gold medallist, strategist with Emirates GBR SailGP team and skipper of the Athena Pathway Programme’s Women’s America’s Cup team. Hanah is a passionate environmental advocate helping to promote STEM and climate education for young people, using her platform to inspire action on environmental issues.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme, #AccelerateAction, serves as both a call to empower women and shine a spotlight on the remarkable initiatives working tirelessly to do just that. I’m incredibly proud to be part of the founding team for the Athena Pathway Programme and an ambassador for our official charity the1851 Trust. These programmes aim to create opportunities in traditionally male-dominated fields, driving forward the push for gender equity.

Imagine a future where women are equally represented in every field. STEM and sports embody these possibilities; however, these industries still face significant gender gaps. Research from the IET shows that 45% of young women are not encouraged to think about STEM careers in school and 32% are put off by how male dominated the industry is. The UK alone faces a 110K annual shortfall in STEM roles with women making up 29% of the current STEM workforce ** promoting engineering careers to more girls and women has never been as critical.

At first glance, sports and STEM may seem worlds apart. But on closer inspection, they share critical similarities. Both demand leadership, thrive on innovation, and rely on teamwork to succeed. When competing at the highest level of any sport STEM roles are hugely important in making performance gains that equal success on the racecourse. Both also face similar barriers when it comes to gender equity, but that’s what makes them fertile ground for change. By creating pathways for women in these spaces, we build not just toward gender equality but toward a stronger, more dynamic future.

The 1851 Trust is reimagining what STEM education can look like, for all young people with a focus on underrepresented groups, including young girls.  One of their standout initiatives is the STEM Crew Live Roadshows, an exciting travelling platform designed to make STEM learning engaging and accessible to young minds. These roadshows provide an environment where STEM feels cool, experimental, and achievable. Girls (and boys) can tinker, problem-solve, and discover the magic of engineering and design through meaningful, practical applications all through the lens of high-performance sports like mine, Sailing. The 1851 Trust links STEM lessons to one of the most exciting industries—sports. By introducing exciting STEM career opportunities within elite sports, such as engineering roles in sailing, they show girls that their math and science skills can lead directly to exciting, impactful careers.  

The Athena Pathway Programme is shattering glass ceilings by creating opportunities for women in sailing, providing women with mentorship both on and off the water. By connecting elite athletes and STEM educated roles with career development, the programme ensures that sailing isn’t just for the privileged few, it’s an open arena for determined, talented women to excel at the highest levels.  Reaching the final of the Women’s America’s cup last year was amazing, I was so proud of the whole team; it was an intense period of time with an incredible group of females stepping into some really amazing roles onboard the race boat and on shore from systems to engineering and data analytics. These events don’t just demonstrate the capability of women in sailing but serve as a beacon for young girls dreaming of careers on the water or in the supporting roles that make such achievements possible.

The question isn’t whether women belong in STEM and sports. It’s how quickly we can create the systems, opportunities, and conversations that bring them fully into the fold. My experience within sports teams such as Emirates GBR and Athena Racing show how mixed environments where men and women are learning from each other are critical to making progress.

So, what does the future look like? I hope it is one where once-peripheral voices are now leading at the table, where industries flourish because decisions are informed by a diversity of perspectives. It’s not about fixing the system for women; it’s about co-creating spaces where everyone, regardless of gender, thrive and investing in role models, fostering inclusive environments, and making STEM and sports exciting. Programmes like the 1851 Trust and Athena Pathway are already proving what’s possible when this vision is put into action, and I am excited about the possibilities for the next generation of female innovators and athletes.

*Source -Institute of Engineering and Technology 2024 report

** source: UK Gov

1851 Trust Guest Blogger – Hannah Mills OBE

It has been a decade since the 1851 Trust was launched in Portsmouth by Sir Ben Ainslie and the British America’s Cup team, over the last ten years the 1851 Trust has engaged over 1.5 million young people globally in its mission to create the next generation of innovators through sport inspired learning.  The 1851 Trust’s digital education programs and roadshows foster knowledge and skills in science, technology, engineering and climate education illustrating connections between sport, STEM and our everyday lives. Opening pathways for young people to excel in STEM and Green skill careers. 

Eight years ago, in partnership with Low Carbon, a global renewable energy company, the 1851 Trust facilitated the installation of solar panels at King’s Academy Northern Parade in Portsmouth. This forward-thinking project, completed in 2016, now provides 45% of the school’s energy needs, significantly reducing its carbon footprint and reduce the running costs of the school buildings, to allow budgets to be allocated to other key projects within the school. 

On Friday 17th January, 1851 Trust Patron Sir Ben Ainslie and Low Carbon Chief Executive and 1851 Trustee Roy Bedlow visited Portsmouth’s King’s Academy Northern Parade, home to over 600 pupils, to see the impact of the Trust’s work over the last eight years.  

It’s great to return to Portsmouth, the Trust has a special history and connection here, It was fantastic to witness first-hand the long-term legacy of the 1851 Trust’s impact at King’s Academy, this project mitigates the negative effects of climate change while helping to educate school pupils as to benefits of renewable energy technology. Our aim with the 1851 Trust it to inspire young people to tackle the challenges of the future, particularly in achieving net-zero goals, through STEM and Green Skills. We have seen the power of sport to inspire the next generation of innovators, and how building sustainability at the heart of the school’s aims can have a profound impact on the students and wider community

Sir Ben Ainslie

The solar installation alongside the launch of a STEM resource developed with the British America’s Cup team to educate students around renewable energy was the catalyst to a wider program of sustainability initiatives undertaken by the school including eliminating single use plastics, waste and carbon reduction programs, recycling stations, the creation of a Nature Nook providing a space for outdoor learning as well as a gardening club to promote biodiversity.  The school continues to embed sustainability into the curriculum support by the 1851 Trust’s STEM resources developed by the Trust and Low Carbon to provide young people with the knowledge and skills to take climate action and drive behaviour change within their own community. 

We are incredibly proud of the steps King’s Academy Northern Parade is taking towards sustainability.  The installation of the solar panels, kindly donated by Low Carbon back in 2016, has significantly reduced our energy costs, allowing us to reinvest savings into educational resources. Additionally, it has provided valuable learning opportunities for children, raising awareness about sustainability and the importance of renewable energy in our daily lives. Additionally, the insulation has supported us to create a culture of environmental responsibility within the school community. We are excited to continue engaging our children in climate-conscious initiatives where sustainability is embedded into our curriculum, ensuring children learn the importance of environmental stewardship.

Kathryn Wilden, Headteacher – King’s Academy Northern Parade 

The 1851 Trust’s programs not only address the urgent need for green skills but also aim to tackle a growing STEM workforce shortfall. In 2021, the IET (Institute of Engineering and Technology) estimated a shortage of over 173,000 workers in the STEM sector. Similarly, the 2023 Global Green Skills Report revealed that worldwide, only 1 in 8 workers possesses at least one green skill. Therefore, we are far from the skills penetration that we need. The Trust’s resources and partnerships, including those with the Emirates GBR SailGP team and Low Carbon, serve to inspire young people to pursue careers in STEM and sustainability, opening pathways for future engineers, innovators, and environmental leaders. 

We believe in the power of collaboration between sport, education and industry. Through our partnership with the Emirates GBR SailGP team and the 1851 Trust, we’ve created free-to-use teaching resources on Renewable Energy, Climate Action, Recycling, Life Cycles, Biodiversity and DE&I. These resources are inspired by sport and aim to inspire young people to choose a STEM and Green Skill career pathway.

Roy Bedlow, Low Carbon Chief Executive and 1851 Trustee

After the assembly at King’s Academy Northern Parade Sir Ben Ainslie and Roy Bedlow led a keynote speech at the prestigious Shaping Portsmouth Conference to champion innovation, sustainability, and STEM education for young people. The 1851 Trust remains proudly rooted in its home city of Portsmouth, a hub for maritime innovation and education. The Trust’s work with local schools like King’s Academy Northern Parade highlights its dedication to creating meaningful, lasting impacts on communities and young people across the UK.  

A library of free digital STEM and climate education resources is available through stemcrew.org

• Cobham-Ultra and the 1851 Trust to deliver STEM roadshows across the UK to promote science in schools.
• The roadshows bring STEM to life through the power of sport – creating a day in the life of an America’s Cup sailor.
• Starting in York, the roadshows will visit four UK cities and host over 500 young people ages 11-14.

The 1851 Trust, in partnership with the British Women’s and Youth Americas Cup team’s major partner UK engineering and technology companies Cobham and Ultra Electronics (“Ultra”), has launched a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) roadshow initiative. Through its programme STEMCrew, the 1851 Trust uses athletes and professional sports to inspire youth through STEM and climate learning.

On Wednesday, June 26th, 120 students aged 11-14 from schools in York (Joseph Rowntree School, Fulford School, Tadcaster Grammar, Vale of York Academy) participated in the inaugural roadshow event at The University of York. The roadshow leverages professional sailing’s real-world context and inspiration to engage students in STEM and showcases diverse career opportunities.

Partnering with Cobham-Ultra, two of the world’s leading innovators in aerospace and marine technology, which together employ over 600 engineers in the UK, has enabled the STEMCrew roadshows programme. This partnership is a natural fit, reflecting a shared commitment to innovation and excellence with Athena Pathway entering teams with the aim to win the inaugural Puig Women’s America’s Cup and retain the UniCredit Youth’s America’s Cup for Great Britain in Barcelona this Autumn. .

The free sessions focused on empowering youth to make informed career decisions, challenge STEM stereotypes, and boost participation, confidence, and contribution in classes. Developed by 1851 Trust’s expert teaching team with feedback from Athena Pathway’s sailors and Cobham-Ultra engineers, the key stage 3 curriculum included interactive sessions on coding, optimising physical performance, and understanding force and drag. Students were invited into the world of the America’s Cup, where teams compete on foiling boats at speeds over 100kph, making it the world’s most technologically advanced sailing competition.

Physics lessons came alive as students designed the most aerodynamic boat, testing each design in a state-of-the-art wind tunnel. Technology’s importance was highlighted through Sphero balls, with coding skills required to navigate the America’s Cup course in Barcelona. Students particularly enjoyed an inspiring session on STEM careers, which featured personal journeys of Britain’s Youth and Women’s America’s Cup team members, demonstrating where STEM education can lead in sports.

“An incredibly informative, engaging STEM day where all pupils were keen to get in evolved with every activity. Pupils spoke highly of each session and all came back bubbling with how exciting the event was!”

Jen O’Brien, Science Teacher, York High School

For the last decade, the 1851 Trust has proudly delivered free STEM and climate education resources and roadshows for 8-16 year olds across the UK. Over 40% of UK secondary schools utilise the award-winning resources through their digital education platforms STEM Crew (www.stemcrew.org) and Protect Our Future (protectourfuture.org).

Shonnel Malani, Chairman of the Board of Cobham and Ultra Electronics, stated: “We are incredibly proud of our work to broaden access to STEM-based careers. Our goal in collaborating with Athena Pathway and 1851 Trust on the roadshow programme has always been to use sailing’s wonders to teach STEM in the classroom. With our sport-led activities, we hope to engage and excite 11–14-year-olds throughout our four UK-based roadshows, which will draw inspiration from the real-world experiences of the Women’s America’s Cup and Youth America’s Cup.

This partnership builds on our £5 million pledge to leading higher education institutions, which allows the opportunity for students from underrepresented groups to pursue an education in engineering. This announcement is focused on inspiring the next generation to consider studies and a career in STEM-related fields, as we ultimately look to help the UK build the skilled workforce of the future.”

Hannah Mills, Athena Pathway co-founder, Team Principal and Helm, stated: “Everyone in the team is passionate about supporting the next ­generation, across multiple fields. Our partnership with Cobham Ultra will showcase the science and engineering that goes into this sport, and the breadth of opportunities for STEM careers available to young people that we hope will inspire the scientists and engineers of tomorrow.”

Alex Hughes, Athena Pathway Trimmer for the GBR America’s Cup Youth Team, who attended the roadshow said: “I really think that days like today, are essential. STEM has many relationships to professional sports and professional sailing. We would not be able to sail America’s Cup yachts without STEM and it’s so heavily invested in our sport and daily activities, from technology to communications, materials to structures, everything revolves around STEM. There are so many industries globally that find STEM crucial and would not be able to operate without STEM, so being able to get young people interested and into a career within STEM through the 1851 Trust Road Shows is vital for the future.”

Jo Grindley, 1851 Trust CEO, said: “Our education roadshows deliver positive, long-term impacts on the education and careers aspirations of young people inspired by STEM. We want to engage the next generation of innovators through free interactive, curriculum-linked workshops that illustrate the links between sport and the world science, technology and engineering and the opportunities within STEM and Green skills careers.”