Jeremy Rockliff,Minister for Education and Training
One of Australia's most famous yachts will be brought back to life by the Windeward Bound Foundation to provide new training opportunities for young Tasmanians.
The restoration of the Mistral ll will provide 18 disadvantaged young Tasmanians with training opportunities and a chance to learn new skills, build confidence and prepare for entering the workforce.
Trainees will undertake a four-day a week training program with TasTAFE, STV Windeward Bound and Seafood and Maritime Training Tasmania, supported by a Government skills grant of $220,000.
In her heyday, the Mistral ll raced in the first six Sydney to Hobart yacht races chalking up three consecutive line honours second places between 1946 and 1948.
Since those glory days, the yacht fell into disrepair and returned to Hobart through the efforts of the Windeward Bound Foundation on the RAN's heavy load ship HMAS Choules as part of the 2018 Australian Wooden Boat Festival.
The Hodgman majority Liberal Government is focused on developing the skills needed now and in the future to support our growing economy.
The Government is proud to support this program, which will have such a positive impact on the futures of the young Tasmanians involved.
We are working hard to ensure Tasmania has a job ready generation of young people with the skills to participate in a modern economy.
It is hoped a partially restored Mistral II will be ready to meet Sydney to Hobart fleet on the water for the race's 75th anniversary in 2020 and be fully restored by her own 100th anniversary in 2022.
