Royal Gazette – September 24th 2006

Bermuda sloop gets ready for voyage
By Jannell K. Dill

Marcus Fox and Kanai Woolridge have high praise for the educational programmes offered through the training vessel Spirit of Bermuda and both claim the programmes have helped them turn their lives around.

Mr. Woolridge, 19, told The Royal Gazette from Maine where the crew are making final preparations before sailing for Bermuda tomorrow: “The Spirit of Bermuda rescued me from a troubled life. “Prior to joining the programme one of my close friends was shot and killed. Since becoming a student crew member, my communication skills have improved and I understand the importance of teamwork. I am a more responsible young man and my time management skills are a lot better.”

Mr. Fox, 15, added: “I was kicked out of CedarBridge Academy because I was always in trouble. I now understand that I have to think of the consequences of my actions. “I also understand the importance of ‘pulling my weight’ and that I will let my team members down if I fail to carry out my assigned tasks completely and successfully.”

Malcolm Kirkland, executive director of the Bermuda Sloop Foundation, which operates the Spirit of Bermuda, said Kanai and Marcus were examples of how young people can benefit from participating in the programme.
He explained: “Our vision is for young Bermudians to achieve their aptitudes, whether they become accountants or mechanics and, above all, to be good contributing members of society.”

He added: “The BFS offers world class extra-curricular and school programmes using ocean sail training to develop character, promote team building and excite formal learning, both academic and technical.”
The ship’s captain, Chris Blake has been associated with sail training vessels for more than 27years.

Captain Blake said: “The young people of Bermuda now have an opportunity to learn a lot about themselves and what they can achieve. They will also learn about sailing and sailing vessels and how they can apply the practical lessons learned on a ship to their every day lives.”

The Spirit of Bermuda leaves Penobscot Bay, Maine tomorrow and is scheduled to arrive in Bermuda on Saturday, September 30. Bermudians and residents are invited to inspect the ship during an open house at Dockyard on October 1 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.