Bermuda Sloop Foundation is still some $2.4 million short of the money it needs to keep its head above water.The charity needs to raise $3 million to fund its youth programmes and pay for its training vessel Spirit of Bermuda.Yesterday the foundation took journalists on an hour-long trip around Hamilton Harbour on the tall ship, as part of its ongoing fundraising drive.The final goal total is meant to cover the $1.8 million budget of annual costs, as well as the mortgage of the vessel.Foundation bosses said they were pleased with the $600,000 they’d raised so far, but wanted to partner with companies and individuals to gather the remainder. BSF confirmed the Bermuda Government has contributed $200,500 towards the fundraising goal, and are in the midst of finding additional funding.Explaining why donors should give, Sloop Foundation CEO Denise Rivere said: “It takes young people out of their comfort zones and away from the things that they are used to doing and causes them to step outside themselves and see what it takes to run a vessel like the Spirit of Bermuda.“They would have to get up early at 6.30am, exercise, clean the ship, prepare for the day with the crew, learn how to read weather, set sails.”The foundation gives sail training to 13 to 14-year-olds and adults, using the Spirit as a “classroom” at sea. The programmes offered focus on character education by sail training.BSF specifically designed the programmes to help guide the participants of each programme away from gang affiliation, crime and negative peer pressure. Through learning-on-the-job experience, participants are intended to learn responsibility, accountability, resilience, self-confidence, teamwork, courage, pride and awareness are all principles.Mrs. Rivere said. “We know this programme works because the parents and teachers say ‘that programme changed our child’s life’.”More than 3,5000 young Bermudians have benefited from its historical and maritime education programmes since they began in 2006.Negasy Tucker, 18, went through the programme and was recently promoted as a Watcher Leader.“I’m enjoying my experience and I’m learning as I go,” he said. “I originally didn’t want to do this, it just didn’t phase me at first, but then I thought it could be a life changing experience, so I did my first trip last year in June and went to Haiti. When I finished school year early, I came to the Bermuda Sloop Foundation and started helping them wherever I could and came along for the experience and became a part of the family really quick.“I like to learn and ask questions and what I learn I pass on to other people, whoever wants to know, I like to pass on what I know. It’s a learning experience. You’ve got to do something use your time wisely, The Spirit of Bermuda is a great stepping stone to show your initiative and to further your education and apply what you learn elsewhere.”The youth participating perform daily tasks of regular crew members sail and ling handling, navigation, manning the helm, preparing and serving meals, monitoring the conservation of resources such as fresh water and electricity, and daily cleaning.Common results from completing any of the programmes include having a greater work ethic, develop or enhance coping and self management skills and overcoming both mental and physical challenges.Those wanting to help the foundation should visit www.bermudasloop.org.