Our first year
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Sailing bursary news
Our trips in the North
Thanks to Ocean Youth Trust North, this year, Blue Spirit funded its first community sails in the North East of England.
Four groups made up of young people from Newcastle College, Projects for Change, Patchwork, Hexham Youth Initiative and N.E.S.T. (North East Solidarity and Teaching) as well as some individual applicants, set sail in the North Sea and the River Tyne on three weekend trips and one five-day adventure between May and August this year.
Each crew comprised up to 14 young people, volunteers and support workers who spent their days learning the ropes, expertly guided by the skipper and staff of the beautiful James Cook.
What our young sailors say
We received some wonderfully positive feedback, and one of our novice sailors even had his life completely turned around by his experience at sea. The words of our crew members’ speak for themselves. We have too many testimonials to share here, but here is a taste of what people have told us...
Stephen says:
"In July I undertook a 3-day and 2-night sailing trip through Blue Spirit Sailing and have nothing but good words and praise for this project. I started the sailing trip numb because of working and personal trauma but by the end of it I had experienced 3 days of life, nature and seeing others grow. It has given me memories I share with new friends.
"I loved the trip so much that when the opportunity came up to do a 5-day sail with Blue Spirit and OYTN, I didn’t hesitate.
"This longer trip confirmed my future goals; I am now applying to be a volunteer, working on sailboats. I have also started a college course in professional cooking in the hope that I may combine the two, opening a door to a life lived on the sea and discovering new places. I cannot thank or praise Solen and the team enough, what they are doing is amazing."
Ira says:
"Going sailing (twice!) made a really good, big difference in my life. Being out on the sea let me just leave all the stresses of day-to-day life and it also reminded me that I could get out and have fun again.
"It helped put things in perspective. Sure, my problems haven't gone away but I feel more like I can handle them and am less alone in them. I've met other people now who just get me.
"Sailing has definitely improved my mental health and helped me be more myself. Robin, Irina and all the volunteers and crew made it such a week to remember. I'm never going to forget this.
"I really appreciate the fact that the Blue Spirit bursaries are for 16-25 year olds because so many activities are geared towards younger age groups. Older young people – who may have missed out when younger through no fault of their own – are often overlooked, but can still benefit enormously from this kind of activity that can be so good for their personal development."
N.E.S.T. volunteer, Jemma, says:
"We had the most amazing weekend, honestly like no other. NEST is a family and community that I am so honoured to be part of, and even more so after this weekend. Everywhere I looked there was smiles, no matter the situation, joy, enthusiasm and pure thrill for the adventure we were all undertaking together. The whole experience will forever make the back of my neck tingle when remembering it.
"I have been part of NEST for the last 9 months, but this weekend was by far my favourite outing. The boys loved every minute of it, and I am so proud of how involved they got and remained, even with the 5 am wake up!
"They all learnt so much and shared such an amazing experience together. Watching their growth even over the three days was very humbling.
"Robin, Peter and Irena were phenomenal. Patient and understanding at all times so thank you so much to all of them for guiding us along the way. And for the Blue Spirit Sailing Bursaries for facilitating the whole experience. I hope yourselves and Laury would be happy in knowing how much this trip will continue to influence the boys’ lives and personal and professional development going forward in life."
Billy says:
"It was a brilliant adventure being out on the North Sea. I helped raise the sails and steer the boat. My favourite part of the trip was making new friends on board and having a laugh with them. It was nice to do this, has it made me feel like an average teenager. Having a laugh and friendly banter with people in my age group.
"Everyone on the trip was so nice. When I got a little sea sick on the way back, my new friends were so so lovely and kind to me, and supportive. And I feel like I have known them for ages has everyone was sharing a range of personal stories on board.
"We all learned new skills and got a certificate that the skipper said we could use to showcase our achievements at sea. …
"Thank you very very very much! for helping arrange this brilliant opportunity. It was absolutely lush. It helped with my social skills and confidence big time. Am forever grateful. It’s a very lovely thing you do with Blue Spirit."
