Nearly two years ago The Lively Lady Project, supported by Raymarine, the Portsmouth-based marine electronics company, set off on an exciting round the world sailing experience aimed to help disadvantaged young adults.

Having visited 18 countries, 27 different ports and changed the lives of the 36 young adults on the project, this famous yacht will be sailing back into the familiar waters of Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth on July 5th 2008.

Lively Lady is the historic wooden sailing boat that took Portsmouth grocer Sir Alec Rose to Australia and back in 1968. Believing that anybody could and should realise their dreams, Sir Alec Rose bequeathed Lively Lady to the City of Portsmouth, intending that she should be used to help disadvantaged young adults realise their potential. Now, 40 years (plus one day!) on from Sir Alec’s return in 1968, Portsmouth will celebrate once again an amazing feat of stamina and bravery.

The Raymarine Lively Lady Project has been headed up by British ocean adventurer Alan Priddy, who was inspired by Sir Alec Rose as a child, and committed to taking up this demanding challenge on board the 36 foot (11m) sailing yacht. For each leg of the trip Alan, and his experienced adult co-skipper, were joined by two young adults who, following a rigorous selection process, had been selected.

Fiona Pankhurst, International Marketing Communications Manager at Raymarine said, “It’s a privilege to welcome Lively Lady back into her home port of Portsmouth after such a tremendous voyage. We hope that our contribution to this worthwhile project has allowed the disadvantaged young people the opportunity to change their lives. Raymarine has been involved with Lively Lady from the start of this project, providing essential navigational and autopilot equipment and we are proud to have been able to support this local project and be part of this life-changing adventure.”

Raymarine plc has its corporate headquarters in Portsmouth, and is a world leader in marine electronics.