Endeavour Hosts Women On The Water Event

Endeavour, the Bermuda-registered charity dedicated to building confidence and life skills in youth, celebrated International Women’s Day with its annual Women on the Water event, inspiring the next generation of female leaders in sailing and maritime careers.

A spokesperson said, “Fifteen young women aged 12–18 from seven schools: Bermuda Institute, Mount Saint Agnes, Purvis Primary, Sandys Secondary Middle School, The Berkeley Institute, The Bermuda High School, and Warwick Academy enjoyed a day of connection, inspiration and empowerment.”

“We’re proud to provide safe, supportive spaces where young women of all backgrounds and abilities can experience the water, grow and connect,” said Jennifer Pitcher, Endeavour’s Executive Director. “Through skill-building, mentorship and meaningful connections, our annual Women’s Day initiative inspires confidence, fosters a sense of belonging and empowers the next generation of female leaders. Watching these extraordinary young women embrace their potential, shine both on and off the water, and strive for their best is truly inspiring.”

A spokesperson added, “Since 2015, over 8,500 youth have participated in Endeavour’s programmes—more than half of them females—advancing the charity’s commitment to gender equity in sailing and maritime opportunities. The initiative aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5, promoting the empowerment of women and girls worldwide. Endeavour Lead Programme Instructors inspired participants by sharing their journeys.”

Tre’sure Nanette, said, “Endeavour’s Women on the Water event opens doors for young women in Bermuda to connect with each other while exploring maritime opportunities. I’m proud of my journey—from completing the Endeavour Maritime Springboard Programme and earning my Royal Yachting Association Dinghy Instructor qualification to now working as a full-time Lead Programme Instructor and RYA Powerboat Instructor. Sharing my love for the ocean and sailing with young people of all backgrounds is the most rewarding part of this journey! From my own experience, you don’t have to start sailing super young to get involved—our community offers so many ways to get on the water, from Comet Sailing and Fitted Dinghy Sailing to Wednesday Night Sailing and local clubs.”

Endeavour Programme Instructor Nijanae Pemberton shared, “My favourite part of working with Endeavour is watching students grow, persevere and overcome challenges. Reflecting on my own journey, from student to intern, to Lead Programme Instructor and Royal Yachting Association Powerboat Instructor, has been incredibly rewarding. It’s so inspiring to see young women supporting one another, full of curiosity and enthusiasm as they discover more about themselves and each other. I look forward to seeing greater female representation in Bermuda’s sailing and maritime industries in the future.”

Olivia Reilly, Endeavour’s Operations Manager, said, “Women on the Water shows young women what’s possible when they have hands-on opportunities in sailing, maritime, and STEAM fields. This female-only event empowers young women from different backgrounds to connect, grow, and learn from each other, including older Bermudian youth already active in sailing and the maritime industry. Our goal is to make the sailing and maritime world inclusive for everyone.”

A spokesperson added, “The day included interactive activities and inspiring talks from Endeavour Springboard Grads and Assistant Instructors, who shared their inspiring journeys. While light winds prevented sailing, participants enjoyed a powerboat adventure to Glass Beach where they took a refreshing swim before concluding the day.

“Guest speakers included Fae Sapsford, Marine Research Fellow with the Sargasso Sea Commission, who shared insights on the Sargasso Sea’s unique biodiversity and the challenges of high-seas conservation. She emphasised the importance of conserving Bermuda’s marine ecosystems and offered students a hands-on look at some of her beach-combing discoveries. Known on Instagram as Sargasso Girl, Fae is frequently seen documenting the endemic marine species that can be found in Sargassum across the island, blending research, curiosity, and environmental education to inspire the next generation of ocean stewards.”

Fae encouraged the young sailors to dream big and follow their passions, reminding them, “No matter what you study, you can weave your marine interests into a career connected to the ocean. The possibilities are endless.”

A spokesperson added, “Chardonaé Rawlins, Bermudian child and adolescent mental health specialist and founder of Simply Bloom Bermuda, inspired Endeavour’s female youth sailors through a series of hands-on activities designed to build self-confidence, emotional resilience and the ability to manage pressure both on and off the water. The session encouraged sailors to recognise their strengths, develop coping strategies, and strengthen emotional resilience.”

Chardonaé shared, “Through mindfulness exercises and positive thinking, we explored ways to navigate pressure, encouraging girls and young women to believe in themselves, celebrate their strengths and trust in their ability to overcome challenges, equipping them with skills to thrive both in sport and life.”

Students shared their reflections:

Alessia Vianello, Mount Saint Agnes: “I loved the knot tying game and making shapes with the ropes. I have made many new friends and this is such a welcoming space.”

Kayuni Simmons, Sandys Secondary Middle School: “I really enjoyed meeting new people and hearing from the guest speakers.”

Erin Telford-Brangman, The Berkeley Institute: “I enjoyed the community, having fun with the girls, and learning about the ocean from Sargasso Girl! It was motivational and fulfilling.”

Brittany Siddle, Endeavour’s Community Engagement Coordinator, said, “A huge thank you to our volunteers, Noah Astwood and Erin Telford-Brangman, whose support helped make Women on the Water a success. As an Endeavour Springboard graduate and Assistant Instructor, they inspire younger sailors to believe in themselves and pursue their goals on and off the water.”

A spokesperson added, “Special thanks to Making Waves for donating reef-safe sunscreen, The Tuck Shop for delicious cupcakes, and The Bone Fish Bar & Grill for a nutritious lunch.

“Endeavour is grateful to our donors and supporters including lead founding partner, Orbis Investments, along with PwC Bermuda and Arch Capital Group Ltd. for helping empower Bermuda’s youth and inspire the next generation of female mariners, leaders, and changemakers.

“Learn more at www.Endeavour.bm | Registered Charity #977.”

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