Spirit Will Be ‘Less Active For Coming Year’
Spirit of Bermuda has received its safety certification however “due to financial constraints” it “will be less active for the coming year” and “if a clear and sustainable path cannot be found, then selling Spirit will likely have to be considered,” the Bermuda Sloop Foundation said today.
A spokesperson said, “After 10 weeks in Lunenburg Shipyard, Nova Scotia, Bermuda Sloop Foundation [BSF] is pleased to report that Spirit of Bermuda set sail for home yesterday. There were the usual yard delays and challenges, but Spirit has passed the American Bureau of Shipping’s 5-year inspection and received her important safety certification. This has been made possible by many generous donations from loyal supporters.
“As announced in late April, BSF is unable to continue its usual 5-day residential voyages during the current academic year [starting September/October 2024] due to financial constraints.
“Spirit’s operating environment [rising costs, increasing compliance, an aging ship, a much-changed donor/grant environment, etc.] has forced BSF to pause and review its offerings. The ABS certification, now successfully obtained, was a prerequisite for the most prudent way forward.
“Over the summer, BSF consulted with education stakeholders, and private schools confirmed their continuing interest in their students’ participation in the 5-day residential programme.
“The next step is to embark on a strategic redesign to explore alternatives for a sustained model to serve Bermuda’s youth. This process will be conducted in conjunction with a professionally led feasibility study addressing Bermuda’s appetite and ability to provide the necessary funding for future programmes on a secure and sustainable basis.
“BSF hopes to be back in the youth business by September 2025 [which coincides with the introduction of Signature Schools in public school reform]. In the meantime, there is much to consider and review, and new volunteers at all levels are required. BSF continues to believe an authentic public-private partnership [as happened in its early days] is likely the best way forward to save Spirit for future generations of Bermuda’s youth.
“Accordingly, Spirit will be less active for the coming year but professionally maintained as she awaits her next chapter.
“If a clear and sustainable path cannot be found, then selling Spirit will likely have to be considered. It is not realistic to continue to attempt to run an operation of BSF’s magnitude and complexity without adequate and secure sources of funding.”
Sad news