Key industry figures, including Tony Hayward, attend Sailors’ Society dinner onboard historic HMS Victory, Portsmouth

Vice Admiral Sir Christopher Morgan KBE, a former Director General of the UK Chamber of Shipping, hosted an historic Trafalgar Dinner in Hardy’s Cabin on board the historic HMS Victory, recently in aid of the Sailors’ Society. Flemming Jacobs, a leading figure in shipping and Sailors’ Society Campaign Board Chairman and Trustee, was present together with 15 specially invited guests, who represented a range of companies connected to the industry from tankers to agents, lawyers and shipbrokers. Jan Webber remarked, ‘We were delighted to welcome so many friends and supporters on board HMS Victory on what was a perfect evening. We were particularly grateful that Tony Hayward was able to take time out of his busy schedule to attend and lend support to our work with seafarers worldwide.’ Addressing the guests, Sir Christopher Morgan KBE, an active member of the Sailors’ Society Campaign Board, said: ‘We are incredibly grateful to Lieutenant Commander DJ 'Oscar' Whild Royal Navy, the Commanding Officer for HMS Victory for his generosity in allowing this special event to take place in such an historic setting. To have been afforded such a rare opportunity to dine in Hardy’s Cabin, onboard this iconic warship, has been an incredible special privilege.’ Guests included David Browne, Andrew Moore Associates Ltd; Colin Bryce, Morgan Stanley; Jim Davis, International Maritime Industries Forum; Todd Grove, ABS Europe Ltd; Tony Hayward, BP; Mark Jackson, A M Nomikos/Baltic Exchange; Peter Marriott, Marriott & Co.; Stephen O'Keeffe, O'Keeffe & Partners; Lars Safverstrom, GAC; Jonathan Stoneley, Cargill; Andrew Taylor, Reed Smith; Mark Taylor, Simpson Spence & Young; Ian Teare, Norton Rose; Graham Westgarth, Teekay Shipping Corporation and George Weston, Associated British Foods PLC. During the evening, Sir Christopher explained that although conditions of service at sea today bear no comparison to Admiral Lord Nelson’s time, the choice of this setting is a timely reminder that life onboard ship nowadays is still hard work and seafarers are still facing long periods away from home. He acknowledged the support already given by those present, making a special note of Cargill’s long term and generous support. He asked those present look to forming long-term relationships with the Sailors’ Society and to give in a personal or corporate capacity or both. The Sailors’ society is an international maritime charity providing practical, emotional and spiritual assistance, regardless of rank, nationality or faith. The event was the third of a series of historical dinners, the first being the highly successful Trafalgar Dinner on board the HMS Victory held in September 2008. Ends Words: 371