The Bermuda Sloop Foundation is asking business leaders to contribute to a youth programme to inspire the human spirit.

Alan Burland, BSF chairman, said the looming economic recession was the reason why investment in the country's youth was more important than ever.

He made the appeal to local and international companies as the charity launched a new fundraising campaign yesterday at a luncheon at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club. The BSF hopes to raise another $4.5 million to further its youth programmes in the nation's schools and beyond.

"We need to prepare for the coming storm," said Mr. Burland. "We really need all hands on deck – Government, local businesses, international businesses, and the people of Bermuda.

"We will survive and succeed if we plan for it. It will take hard work and everyone pulling together – and good programmes through education which contribute to our future success. We must support programmes with long-lasting benefits. Let's re-chart our course and build a better Bermuda."

The BSF's mission is to transform the lives of the youth of Bermuda through world-class expeditionary learning. Since the Spirit of Bermuda sloop was launched on August 13, 2006, more than 550 students have participated in its five- to17-day voyages.

The Sail Training Programme aims to reach 550 young people each year. To that end it hopes to take every third year middle school student, aged 13 and over, on a coastal voyage. On board ship, students also engage in educational activities closely linked to the middle school curriculum.

The vessel has a traditional rig design based on the Bermudian schooners built between 1810 and 1840 which were renowned for the expert seamanship of their skilled black and white crews. In 2009, the sloop will visit four countries (the Azores, Spain, US and Canada) as part of the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge to commemorate Bermuda's 400th anniversary.

The BSF is also introducing a programme manager/educator and a marine superintendent/relief captain to the ship's team.

Mr. Burland described the Spirit of Bermuda as a "floating classroom" for young people. He said the emphasis was on "character development" such as increasing self-confidence, initiative, teamwork and a sense of belonging.

"If you see them at the end of a five-day trip these students are different people," he said. "It makes them feel good about themselves. Teachers also report increased motivation and engagement."

The sloop also brought down any racial divide. "When you have to get that sail up, race goes out of the window," said Mr. Burland.

To date, more than $7.5 million has been raised and the BSF was winner of the American Sail Training Association 2007 'Sail Training Programme of the Year' while Captain Chris Blake also received the 'Sail Trainer of the Year Award'.

Education Minister Randolph Horton said yesterday: "I would like to thank the BSF for this incredibly important initiative. To me it's one of the most exciting projects that people are now being involved in.

"If you're going to help young people to appreciate each other, get them out there on the sloop."

Premier Ewart Brown said the BSF would continue to have the full support of Government.

"I believe programmes like this get the attention of young people. It's very difficult to teach people whose attention you do not have. So I think this is an excellent endeavour and you can count on us for our support," said Dr. Brown.

US Consul General Gregory Slayton was off-Island yesterday but sent the following message: "I want you to know I do support your efforts. The Foundation has done great work for young people in Bermuda. The skills they learn aboard the Spirit of Bermuda can certainly be put to good use in whatever path in life they take."

Governor Sir Richard Gozney said: "When you go now to CedarBridge or Berkeley and ask the S1 or S2 students if they've been on the sloop, about half of them put up their hands, and the enthusiasm they show immediately and the tales they tell about how it changed them, it makes you realise the importance of this programme.

"Do join if you have a few dollars to spare, even in these hard times, because in the year I have been here (as Governor) I've seen no better use of supportive efforts to students in Bermuda to see their way through the challenges which fill the newspapers every day."

If you would like to contribute to the Bermuda Sloop Foundation email bermudasloop@logic.bm, or telephone 236-0383.