Spirit of Adventure project aims to get young people on the water

6th February 2020

Update on Spirit of Adventure project:

We’re aware that with the current COVID-19 pandemic there is uncertainty about the future of major events across the country. We’d like to reassure all of our supporters and partners that this project will go ahead during 2020. If COVID-19 results in the delay of the planned dates we will plan for this project to go ahead later in the year and will work with our partners to make sure that all vessels are able to take part to provide this amazing sailing activity for disadvantaged young people in Plymouth.

We’re very close to our target, and we’re confident that with our network of partners and supporters that we will reach our target of raising £50,000 by 19 March. Now more than ever we know that providing this opportunity for these young people to have something to look forward to will be much needed!

To pledge your support please visit: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/spirit-of-adventure

A new project hopes to give more than 350 disadvantaged children in Plymouth an exciting and unique opportunity, and a crowdfunding page has been launched to help make it a reality.

As part of the Mayflower Ocean Festival – which takes place from 4 to 10 May 2020 – the ‘Spirit of Adventure’ project will give children and young people from Plymouth the chance to enjoy hands-on adventures aboard traditional wooden sailing ships.

Spirit of Adventure aims to connect young people with the Mayflower story, and with the ocean. The project is aimed at disadvantaged children, including children who are living in poverty, children in care and young carers, who have not had the chance to go sailing before. 

Sarah Gibson, Chief Executive of the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership BID (PWP), the organisation which is running the crowdfunder said: “Even though Plymouth boasts an enviable waterfront location as Britain’s Ocean City, many of our children and young people are disconnected with the ocean. We know that some of the city’s children have never been to Plymouth Hoe or visited the Barbican, let alone been on a wooden sailing boat.

“The schools we’re working with are located in some of the most deprived areas of the city. These children deserve to feel their own spirit of adventure, to test their skills as team players, as sailors and citizens of Britain’s Ocean City.

“We’re thrilled to be working on this project – and when better to do it than during this extra special Mayflower 400 commemorative year. We’re asking local people and businesses to support Plymouth children and get behind this project to help make it happen.”

PWP have teamed up with The Island Trust, Sailing Tectona, the Lynher Barge, and the Bounty Project to run the adventurous sailing sessions. The four organisations have seven vessels between them, which will undertake daily voyages in Plymouth Sound during the Mayflower Ocean Festival.

Each day, groups of children will work together as a team, hoisting the sails and sailing the boats themselves with support from expert staff. They will build communication, social and cooperation skills and feel a sense of responsibility and achievement, giving a much-needed confidence boost and memories to last a lifetime.

In order to make the project a reality, PWP and their partners need to raise £50,000. This will pay for all safety and boat costs, as well as transport, refreshments and resources for the young people.

You can support this project by donating online at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/spirit-of-adventure.