Anna Maria Hansen, Sailing Ships Maine’s senior captain, was named U.S. Young Sail Trainer of the Year, and Sailing Ships Maine, the program she leads, was named U.S. Sea Education Program of the Year by Tall Ships America and the American Sail Training Association.
Hansen has sailed with Sailing Ships Maine for four seasons, two as captain and two as mate. She learned of the award while leading an outdoor experiential trip in Patagonia.
Hansen will lead weeklong sail training trips in Maine from May to October this coming season.
.jpeg)
According to a release from Sailing Ships Maine, the group was recognized for its parnerships with Brunswick, Maine-based Seeds of Independence and the Providence, Rhode Island-based MET High School. In general, the group works with high schools and non-profits in Maine and elsewhere, including the Center for Grieving Children, Sanford middle and high schools, sea scouts, and U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, among others.
“Thank you so much for the unexpected honor!” Hansen wrote after receiving her award. “I feel really touched by the recognition. I feel deeply fortunate to offer meaningful wilderness experiences and voyages of selfdiscovery for young people. I cannot imagine work more worth doing than to empower youth to develop problem-solving skills, communication, teamwork, and environmental awareness.”
“The organizational award, according to Tall Ships America, goes to ‘a program that has significantly contributed to the educational credibility of programs under sail. The program is offered in conjunction with a school, school system, school group, or other recognized educational institution; has a clear curriculum of educational goals compatible with curriculum goals of traditional schools; and has qualified instructors on a certified vessel,” Sailing Ships Maine reported in its release.
