Our Foundation
Our History
The Spirit of Bermuda exists today as a result of the hard work and focused dedication of many individuals and groups. However, the original idea was the 'brain child' of Malcolm Kirkland and his passion got the project moving. The founding members, Malcolm Kirkland, Alan Burland and Jay Kempe, refined the idea and then proceeded to forge ahead with detailed and continuous planning for its implementation over a 10 year period.
1996
Early seed money was provided in 1996 by these three founding members and Jordy Walker to pursue some preliminary design concepts.
1998
In 1998 The Centennial Trust provided $60,000 in additional funding to help with further design work and a feasibility study on the proposed project. Late in 1998, Bermuda Sloop Foundation (BSF) was incorporated as a local company (limited by guarantee).
1999
In 1999, Bermuda Sloop Foundation became a Bermuda registered charity (# 545). The design and programme concepts were beginning to gel and Cabinet, rather than a single Government Ministry, was approached for financial assistance because it was very clear that the project would benefit the areas of responsibility of many ministries. Government then became one of BSF's two principal Founding Partners, the other being The Centennial Trust/Bank of Bermuda Foundation. Both pledged funds totaling $900,000 each, and the project was off and running. A four year design period and competitive bid process then followed under the leadership of Alan Burland.
2004
On March 15, 2004, Rockport Marine of Rockport, Maine was contracted to build Spirit of Bermuda. The ship slowly took shape under the watchful eye of Taylor Allen with monthly visits from Alan Burland, BSF's build project leader and assistance from numerous interested parties. Many Bermudians visited Rockport during the ship's construction and this contributed to a growing sense of excitement. By the time of the launch in August of 2006, the excitement was at fever pitch and about 70 Bermudians traveled to Rockport to participate in the great event. Several thousand others watched as Spirit slid gracefully into the water. After a trial spin around the harbour, a large party was held at the Rockport Marine yard involving a barbeque for 700 people and live music from Bermudian musicians.
2006
On October 1, 2006, Spirit sailed triumphantly into Bermuda. Her approach to the island on her maiden voyage was closely monitored in the press and on blogs and websites. She was met off of St. David's by a VIP welcoming party and escorted up the North Shore by a host of small craft. More craft joined the procession in the Great Sound and when Spirit was met by a large fleet of Optimist dinghies in Hamilton Harbour the welcoming flotilla numbered well into the hundreds and was the largest in living memory.
When Spirit tied up at Albuoy's Point she was greeted by hundreds of well wishers who had assembled along the docks of Hamilton. Speeches by local dignitaries, including Alex Scott, the Premier of Bermuda, demonstrated the enormity of the occasion. But it was the moving lilt and lyrics of Heather Nova's song Sailing, written especially for Spirit, that brought pride and emotion to a crescendo, and tears to the eyes of many.
