Latest news with #Portsmouth
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Blue Mantis Expands Federal IT Services Portfolio Under GSA Contract
Contract enables delivery of advanced cybersecurity, engineering, and compliance services to federal agencies nationwide PORTSMOUTH, N.H., July 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Blue Mantis, a leading provider of digital strategy and services specializing in managed services, cybersecurity, and cloud solutions, today announced its expanded service offerings under the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Multiple Award Schedule (MAS), specifically under Special Item Number (SIN) 54151S for Information Technology Professional Services. This award enables Blue Mantis to deliver a broad range of IT services to federal, state and local agencies, including cybersecurity architecture, enterprise network engineering, technical support, compliance and governance consulting. The SIN 54151S designation affirms Blue Mantis' qualifications to support complex public sector IT initiatives with scalable, secure, and standards-aligned solutions. Delivering Expertise Across the Federal IT LandscapeWith over 30 years of experience supporting public sector and enterprise clients, Blue Mantis brings deep technical expertise and a collaborative, outcome-driven approach to every engagement. Services available under SIN 54151S include: Cybersecurity Architecture & Risk Management: Design and implementation of secure IT environments aligned with NIST, SOC 2, and ISO 9001:2015 standards. Enterprise Network & Infrastructure Engineering: Scalable solutions for network modernization, virtualization, and cloud integration. Technical Support & Operations: Responsive, high-quality support services tailored to agency-specific operational environments. Compliance & Governance Consulting: Advisory services to ensure alignment with federal acquisition regulations and evolving cybersecurity mandates. A Trusted Partner for Federal Agencies'Being awarded a GSA contract is a significant milestone that reflects our commitment to delivering secure, innovative, and mission-critical IT services to federal, state and local governments,' said Josh Dinneen, CEO of Blue Mantis. 'We look forward to helping agencies modernize their infrastructure, strengthen their cybersecurity posture, and achieve measurable outcomes.' Contract Highlights: Nationwide Availability: Streamlined professional services procurement for federal agencies through the GSA MAS program. Tailored Engagements: Flexible service delivery models to support projects of all sizes and complexities. Proven Track Record: A history of successful engagements across federal, state, and local government sectors. For more information about Blue Mantis' GSA award, visit About Blue MantisBlue Mantis is a security-first IT solutions and services provider with a 30+ year history of successfully helping clients achieve business modernization by applying next-generation technologies including managed services, cybersecurity, cloud and collaboration. Headquartered in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, with offices in Charlestown, Massachusetts, the company provides digital technology services and strategic guidance to ensure clients quickly adapt and grow through automation and innovation. Blue Mantis partners with more than 1,500 leading mid-market and enterprise organizations in a multitude of vertical industries and is backed by leading private equity firm, Recognize. For more information, please visit Inquiries:David KnoxDirector of Public SectorBlue 987-2013Sign in to access your portfolio


BBC News
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
'Race against time' to save Mary Rose video archive
Students at the University of Portsmouth are digitising more than 600 tapes containing video footage of Henry VIII's flagship, the Mary Rose, which sank in the Solent. Underwater footage captures the moments when historical items such as canons were discovered and filmed for the first time when the ship was salvaged in 40-year-old tapes have been deteriorating and there were fears that the video archive could be lost. Some of the footage may not have been viewed since it was recorded. Charlie Watts, works in the university's School of Film, Media, and Creative Technologies, described it as "a race against time". "They have a very robust outer casing but inside the tape is very vulnerable. The oxide on the tape is dissolving as we speak," said Mr Watts. "We have to do this now, otherwise it's gone completely." Student Oliver Wibew, who is also working on the project, said: "I'm only 18 so I've never used this kind of technology before. "You have to put them into a player then it goes into the computer then you've got special software that can capture it and put it onto a drive."Another student, James Watts, has been watching the footage. "Seeing the Mary Rose from a diver's perspective, possibly for the first time in 40 years, that's something that not a lot of people get to experience," said Mr Watts. The digitised footage will help to tell the the salvage story at the Mary Rose Museum. "We have the incredible Tudor story of all the artefacts that were found underwater," said collections manager Alastair Miles. "But then there's this modern story of the salvage, recovery and excavation and all of the people that were involved in that process."These tapes will allow us to add to that story with extra layers of information that we just didn't have access to before."The Mary Rose Museum's chief executive, Dominic Jones, said more than 500 divers were involved in the salvage. "What's fantastic is that we've now got 18-year-old students who are bringing that story to life," he said."It's not lost on us that they're the same age as the crew of the Mary Rose when the ship sank." You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X, or Instagram.

News.com.au
14 hours ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
Adrian Segecic confident a strong season with Portsmouth will help him realise his FIFA World Cup dream
Former A-League star Adrian Segecic has backed his chances of playing for the Socceroos at next year's FIFA World Cup – if he has a strong season in the English Championship with his new club Portsmouth. Despite often having to settle for an impact role off the bench, Segecic starred for Sydney FC last season, with his 13 goals enough to a be co-winner of the A-League Golden Boot with Adelaide United striker Archie Goodwin. Segecic's form also led to him signing last month with Portsmouth on a three-year deal. The 21-year-old attacking weapon has so far impressed in Pompey's pre-season campaign in both finding the back of the net and setting up goals for his teammates. Segecic hopes to continue that form during Portsmouth's Championship campaign, which kicks off on August 9 against Oxford United at Kassam Stadium. Five-star at Farnborough. 🌟 — Portsmouth FC (@Pompey) July 17, 2025 'If I'm playing here and doing well then one thing is going to lead to the other,' Segecic told the website. 'The World Cup's definitely a target for me … the World Cup would be amazing. To go and play at a World Cup at my age would be a dream, especially for Australia. 'We've qualified, so it's just about being able to make the squad. Playing for Portsmouth and doing well here gives the chance for that to happen. '(I) want to play in the Championship. It's one of the hardest leagues in the world. 'If I'm able to show I can handle it, I think it shows how good how I am. 'I will need to be good technically to cope with that, and if I'm doing well in the Championship, I think there's a good chance (of going to the World Cup).' A strong start to the season will also help Segecic's chances of being picked in the Socceroos squad for September's two friendly games against New Zealand in Canberra and Auckland.


The Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Britain's deepest lido boasting its own lagoon moves one step closer to reopening after three-year closure
A BELOVED UK lido is moving closer to reopening after three years of renovation works. Britain's deepest lido has been undergoing a £7.6million refurbishment under a government programme. 3 3 3 Hilsea Lido in Portsmouth has been a go-to place for local families since its original opening in 1935. Legendary actor Sean Connery also frequented the outdoor pool for his swimming sessions. Hilsea Lido first closed its doors back in 2007, but it reopened back in 2014 after its management was taken over by Hilsea Lido Pool for the People - a charity formed by residents. The charity group was forced to close the iconic lido again in 2022 as it was in a desperate need for a refurb. New management team It has now been announced that the team behind Sea Lanes in Brighton will be taking over the Hilsea Lido management. Harry Smith, Director at Sea Lanes, said: 'We are thrilled to be chosen as the preferred operators of Hilsea Lido, we see it as more than a more than a pool, it's a unique place with history and heart. "A hub for the local community. A centre for both mental and physical wellbeing. Our vision is to create a vibrant community hub, a welcome space where people of all ages can recharge, move and connect. "From invigorating swims and soul-soothing sauna sessions to family themed activities, delicious eats and energising events, there will be something for everyone. "To help us create our vision we want to hear from the Portsmouth community as to how Hilsea Lido can meet their needs." New facilities Thanks to the Government's Levelling Up programme, the outdoor pool has received a £7.6million worth of investment. Look around historic 200-year-old lido with stunning seaside views abandoned for decades Once the lido has reopened, it will have upgraded facilities including new changing rooms, benches, tables, and a fountain. The fully functioning unheated pool will also feature ramps to provide more accessibility to people with mobility issues. The new modern filtration system has been installed to ensure clear and safe for swimming water for years to come. The team at Sea Lanes will also be bringing food and drink pop up stores, saunas and health and wellbeing businesses into the area. Opening date Local residents have been excited about the re-opening of the lido for which they hold fond memories. No official opening date has been revealed just yet, but there is more information on the Portsmouth City Council website. It reads: "The project is set to reopen in early autumn 2025, which is the same year the lido will celebrate its 90th anniversary." And here are the . Therme Manchester will have 25 swimming pools, 25 water slides and an indoor beach. Modern Surf Manchester will be a surfing lagoon offering lessons to both beginners and experts. Chessington World of Adventures Waterpark is set to have wave, infinity and spa pools as well as waterslides and cabanas. The Cove Resort, Southport is likely to have a water lagoon and a thermal spa with steam rooms and saunas. The Seahive, Deal plans to be the "surfing wellness resort" in the UK.


New York Times
a day ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Chasing catamarans at 40mph (and feeling queasy) at SailGP's Portsmouth Grand Prix
It was impossible to miss the dejected French team sitting on a wall — still in their wetsuits and life jackets — just before boarding a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) ahead of the third and fourth races of Saturday's Portsmouth SailGP Grand Prix. The France SailGP team, whose investors include Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe and had secured back-to-back podiums in the previous two grands prix in San Francisco and New York, did not even make it to the starting line due to damage to their 24-metre wing sail. Advertisement SailGP, a close-to-shore sailing championship, is a new sport in its fifth season, and with that comes teething problems. There are no spare catamarans, so there have been several occasions this season in which a team has been unable to compete because of various issues — France had to sit out the first two events of the season in Dubai and Auckland while their new F50 racing boat was still being built. But at the start of the day, who could have anticipated The Athletic would have a more successful afternoon on the English Channel than the French in chase of the 11 other teams which had made it to the start line? After completing a safety briefing, the French team (and dry land) were soon in the rearview mirror, with the RIB leaving Camber Quay for the Solent, a narrow straight between mainland Britain and the Isle of Wight. It is a stretch of water with history, as this was where Queen Victoria would often watch yachting races and regattas. The Portsmouth Grand Prix is the seventh of 12 events on this season's calendar, which will culminate in November in Abu Dhabi, and is the start of the European leg of the championship. Though F50s can reach speeds of over 50 knots (57.5mph; 92.6 kilometres an hour), our journey began at a relatively low speed; ferries taking passengers to the island just off the south coast needed to be avoided, as did dozens of privately owned boats that had lined the edge of the course. But then we entered the exclusion zone, a mass of water encompassing the course, and even in light wind conditions, the next 20 minutes were not for the faint of heart. The third race of the day — a grand prix that consists of two days of racing of multiple heats before a winner-takes-all showdown on a Sunday between the three top-ranked teams — was won by New Zealand and was already under way by the time The Athletic made it into the exclusion zone. Immediately, it was clear how quickly the foiling catamarans were travelling once they were above the water. Advertisement A whistling noise, generated by the vibrating foils, pierced the wind as the Brazil team made a turn and headed back downwind to finish the race. Providing expert analysis throughout on this sport — which has been likened to Formula One on water — was Hattie Rogers, a 25-year-old who is one of the world's best foiling sailors and hopes to one day compete in SailGP. After the third race had ended — each race lasts a maximum of 16 minutes — The Athletic's boat made its way to where most of the F50s had gathered. Each team was quickly joined by their support boat ahead of the fourth and final race of the afternoon. Circling above were two helicopters, capturing the action for the TV coverage. A boat that was able to keep pace with the F50s was filming the race, too. It was at this moment that Rogers informed everyone on board that we were going to chase the boats from the start to the first mark on the course — a message that could be translated to 'Hold on!'. Launching out of a timed start, the fleet can accelerate at speeds close to 100kmh as they converge on Mark 1; getting there first gives a team a huge advantage before they head downwind for two laps of the course. As the 10,000-strong crowd counted down from 10, we quickly found ourselves trying to keep pace with the F50s — but even reaching speeds of 35 knots (40mph) wasn't enough to stay with the 11 teams. The wind pounded against my face as I attempted to look straight ahead, turning me temporarily into a Wallace and Gromit character. To shield myself, I moved my head to the left and right for split seconds at a time. One person on board was left feeling somewhat queasy as the RIB ripped through the water. To watch the athletes on board dart from one side of the F50 to the other at speed brought home the physicality of this sport. They had already completed three 12-minute races in relatively quick succession, but still had the energy to sprint nearly 10 metres across a moving boat. The Australian team, now owned by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman and led by Tom Slingsby, an Olympic and America's Cup champion, had built up a solid lead. But there was an incredibly close call with the Great Britain team, which even caused Rogers to wince. Rogers was quick to explain that any penalty would have to be taken on the water and that Britain would be asked to slow down if one was given. Advertisement Britain weren't penalised and managed to hold off the Italian team to finish second, capping off a good day's work on home waters. They won the first race in front of a roaring crowd, and followed that up with two second-place finishes and a third-place finish. As the Flying Roos celebrated their win, the RIB made its way back to Camber Quay, where we, along with several other boats, were instructed by the harbourmaster to wait until a ferry had docked before proceeding forward. After the thrill of chasing the F50s, it was a reminder that the Isle of Wight ferry waits for no one.