Sloop Foundation Receives $33,000 Donation

November 20, 2015

BELCO together with Sol Bermuda, BESCO and private donors, Mr. and Mrs. John “Chuckie” Berg, have come together to sponsor the Bermuda Sloop Foundation’s purchase of a new generator for the Spirit of Bermuda.

The generator has clocked over 24,500 hours of use and Northern Light Company, manufacturer of the generator has advised the Bermuda Sloop Foundation the generator is possibly the longest serving generator of its type in the world.

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BELCO Chief Operating Officer, Denton Williams said, “Appreciating the significance of the Spirit of Bermuda being the flagship for the America’s Cup; as well as the educational programs offered to middle school students on board the sloop we reached out to our industry partners Sol and BESCO.

“It was agreed that it was a priority to ensure the Spirit would be able to fulfill its obligations and minimize the risk of it being rendered powerless.”

BESCO President, Bryan Adams said, “In our line of business working with systems that have to operate in a dependable and reliable manner it was a natural fit to ensure that the sloop would be able to deliver in its capacity as Bermuda’s flagship.

“Spirit of Bermuda, through its educational component provides opportunities to instill the importance of dependability, responsibility and other life lessons in a practical and meaningful way to Bermuda’s students.”

Stephen Turner, Sol [Bermuda] Sales and Marketing Manager said, “Sol’s commitment to the support of youth education and development are one of the pillars of our social objectives.

“The Spirit of Bermuda is a very important part of that development and we are pleased to contribute, to ensure the Spirit of Bermuda continues to fulfill its duty.”

Private donors, Chuckie and Hope Berg have been keen supporters of the Spirit of Bermuda from the concept of a training vessel for Bermuda’s youth to its construction and voyages.

Mr. Berg said, “We believe in the Bermuda Sloop Foundation’s mission which is ‘Change Lives, One Voyage at a Time, Over Time’.”

The generator being replaced provides power for the air conditioning needed to prevent rot, mold and mildew below deck. It runs the water maker that makes potable water from seawater whilst on voyages.

It charges the battery to keep navigation electronics and power point power going when the charger is not in use. It also maintains the refrigerator and other smaller instruments and appliances.

“We are grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Berg, BELCO, Sol and BESCO for coming to the Bermuda Sloop Foundation’s aid with a quick and positive response”, acknowledged David Goulbourne, Bermuda Sloop Foundation Engineer.

Senior Captain of the Spirit of Bermuda, Stuart Birnie remarked, “I sent out a request for help in replacing the generator and through the generosity of these donors we will have one installed next year. We greatly appreciate this support.”

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  1. paperboy says:

    Another great example of individual and corporate generosity in Bermuda investing in our youth and programmes that make a difference.

  2. Miguelito says:

    Well done!