Lurking behind its official description – ‘A Voyage of Fisheries Conservation & Education’ – the ‘Amadis Project’ is a sailing adventure sure to rekindle any yachtsman’s sense of adventure. At only 24 years of age, skipper Lily Kozmian-Ledward and Paul Kingston (22) are due to depart Falmouth this week onboard their 38ft cutter – setting out on a 16-month long itinerary to the other side of the world. Aiming to raise awareness of marine conservation issues worldwide, they will be predominantly supporting research into sustainable fishery management in the Caribbean and South Pacific. And if their ages aren’t inspirational enough, their chosen vessel is a story in herself. Owned by Lily’s father Peter (62), (whose technical expertise will be a blessing during the few legs he’s onboard), she is designed to the ‘Good Hope’ specs of YM’s old legendary editor, Maurice Griffiths – who personally redesigned her from original yawl to cutter-rig. Amadis was built to order in Adelaide in 1990, out of native Australian hardwoods before being sailed to Woodbridge, UK in 1992. This project will (belatedly) see her complete her circumnavigation. A strong seaworthy craft, Amadis, only has a draught of 4ft 6in, so should prove perfect for inspecting the shallow reefs. She has undergone an intense refit since last autumn in her (and MG’s) West Mersea home, so she can act as self-contained research platform on which marine biologists and divers can base themselves. Currently sheltering in Falmouth from the after effects of Hurricane Charlie, the couple plan to leave with the next weather window for Funchal, Madeira, before moving onto the Canaries. The itinerary will see them sail across the Atlantic at a similar time to the ARC (late November) to begin their Caribbean project early next year. YM will be providing monthly Web updates on their progress.