Programmes
Overseas Skiller Expeditions
Secondary school students and young adults (14-25 years old) can elect to participate in overseas expeditions lasting anywhere from 10 days to 3 months. These students, are sourced in a number of ways: their interest could have been piqued by a middle School Learning Expedition; or they could have been identified as a good candidate by their school, a social service agency or by Spirit's Professional crew. Whilst previous sailing experience is helpful, it is NOT a prerequisite. The Spirit takes no passengers, all we ask is that every student understands they are working crew and they will all be in charge of ‘taking the helm’.
During the Expedition
While at sea, student-crew members select one aspect of shipboard functioning such as marine engineering, seamanship, navigation, or hospitality to “specialise” in and receive daily instruction in this area from one of the ship’s permanent crew throughout the voyage. Whilst in overseas ports, student crew actively engage in local educational activities, including visits to local museums and landmarks as well as taking part in community service projects.
Student crew also have the opportunity take part in our annual maintenance visit to Rockport Marine, in MA where Spirit was constructed. While there students crew aid the professional crew with essential maintenance projects, allowing them to develop an understanding of the work needed to maintain a boat of Spirit’s size, including shipwright, engineering, marine technology and rigging skills. Students also have the opportunity to take part in the annual Gloucester Schooner Festival Race at the beginning of September.
Personal Development & Team Building
From the moment the student crew join the ship’s company, they are responsible for all aspects of the ship’s functioning. Supervised by the professional crew, they work in watch groups to perform the many daily tasks associated with running a vessel of this size: sail and line handling, navigation, manning the helm, bow watch, monitoring the conservation of precious resources like fresh water and electricity and of course the daily cleaning required to maintain a hygienic environment for 25 people living aboard.
On Spirit of Bermuda student crew are also given the opportunity to achieve things they didn’t believe themselves capable of. Leadership, initiative, and responsibility even in the face of adversity- these are the traits we hope to see in all young Bermudians, yet how often do we give them the chance to actually rise to the challenge? Aboard Spirit of Bermuda students practice living these values.
For more information on these programmes please contact the BSF Office at info@bermudasloop.org. You can apply online or download an application form and submit it to the BSF Office. There are limited places on these voyages so apply early to avoid disappointment.
To find out more about our coming Overseas Skiller Expeditions please click here.
