The vessel, which has taken on our prestigious namesake, will be used to promote the River Tees and its thriving port by providing educational trips to schoolchildren, politicians and businesses; giving an insight into the businesses that make Teesport what it is today.
David Robinson, PD Ports CEO and Chairman of the Foundation, said: “This is an excellent craft for engaging stakeholders to promote the River Tees as a major hub of industry.”
With this fantastic new vessel, the High Tide Foundation are enabled to continue providing an increasing number of our region’s youngsters with the opportunity to see just what Teesport has to offer for them. This goes hand-in-hand with the diverse range of programmes that we have been delivering over the past four-to-five years that have engaged 4,000 young people; connecting them with companies across Teesside.
Sue Jeffrey and David Robinson pictured at the christening of High Tide Adventure.
Highly regarded guests from the region graced the ceremony, including Redcar MP, Anna Turley; Redcar & Cleveland Council Chief Executive, Amanda Skelton; and Middlesbrough Mayor, Dave Budd. Also in attendance on the day was Redcar & Cleveland Council leader, Sue Jeffrey, who was chosen as Godmother of the vessel. She said: “The responsibility is a privilege and an honour. I think it is awe-inspiring and will show people what’s at the heart of the Tees Valley”, placing emphasis on businesses in the area working together for the good of the community.
She added: “The High Tide Foundation’s unique selling point is its collaboration between businesses, and that’s very much what we are about in the Tees Valley because we know we can’t do it on our own.”
Interestingly, the High Tide Adventure was previously used as a pilot cutter, and has been gutted and remodelled, ready for its new use. The vessel will be based permanently at Teesport, UK’s fifth largest port, primed for guests to take along the River.
For information on what the High Tide Foundation does for our community and its youngsters, contact our Project Coordinator, Lauren Bywater, on 07834 176945, or email info@hightidefoundation.co.uk.