The Spirit of Bermuda is embarking on a remarkable journey of recovery after navigating through turbulent financial waters.

The Bermuda Sloop Foundation, the charity behind the iconic tall ship’s sponsored educational programmes, announced last year that owing to monetary constraints, there was a risk that the programmes could be discontinued and that the ship could even be sold off.

However, in November, it engaged the Non-Profit Alliance of Bermuda in a strategic review that incorporated focus groups with stakeholders and culminated in a strategic plan to carry it through the next three years.

Martha Kirkland, the chairwoman of the board at the Bermuda Sloop Foundation, said: “In September 2023, it was clear that a trend had developed where the foundation’s expenses were outstripping donations and receipts.

“Staff changes were made to streamline operations, and in April 2024, we paused our regular programmes while a more sustainable new model going forward was considered.

“With generous help from loyal donors, the BSF completed all scheduled school voyages to July 2024 and successfully secured the required overseas five-year [American Bureau of Shipping] safety inspection certificate for Spirit of Bermuda last October.

“Our goal is to restart our signature youth development programmes aboard Spirit of Bermuda in the first quarter of 2026. BSF will explore new ways to partner with the Government in contributing to education, school reform and career readiness for youth.

“In order for youth voyages to continue for the next generation, alongside regular fundraising BSF will pursue income-generating charters including corporate team-building events beginning this fall.”

Thanks to donor dollars, the educational programmes are able to be offered for free to middle school public students through the foundation.

The foundation’s mission continues to be providing access to transformative youth voyages on board the Spirit of Bermuda, which it said is now recognised locally as a national treasure and worldwide as a flagship for the island.

A number of challenges contributed to the charity’s need for a “rethink and reflection” including rising costs, changes in the local donor environment and a shrinking pool of relevant talent to run the foundation.

The charity has also had to contend with increasing compliance requirements at all levels and “significantly” reduced government support.

The foundation is looking to partner with more non-profit organisations to pool resources for the educational programmes. The Waterstart programme run by JP Skinner out of the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences and the Sail Training Association of Bermuda are some examples of existing partnerships.

Furthermore, the foundation is to participate in the Bermuda Gold Cup in October and Sail 4th 250 celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, which it said will help to raise its visibility in the US.

The charity has also made connections with government entities including the Department of Workforce Development, the Office of Youth Affairs, the Department of Marine and Ports Services, and Nonsuch Island trips run by Jeremy Madeiros, the Government’s principal scientist.

To restart its educational programmes and ship operations at the world-class levels required, the BSF is seeking a qualified executive director, programme co-ordinator, ship captain, engineer and first mate. David Goulbourne is the present captain and ship’s engineer.

Ms Kirkland, whose husband, Malcolm Kirkland, was a cofounder of the Bermuda Sloop Foundation, added: “Spirit of Bermuda provides young people a chance to disconnect from technology and distractions, and reconnect with themselves, their peers and their island.

“This programme is vital, especially today where students need experiences that build character, courage and a meaningful sense of community, along with a step outside their usual comfort zone.

“I see the opportunity and it is attainable if we stay focused. We are more aware of the balance needed between income generation and our goal of providing experiential learning to Bermuda’s youth.

“We are not being idealistic about this; I think we are more grounded and we know that to be more sustainable, we need that balance as well as more effective partnerships.

“If Bermuda wants a tall ship for its youth, and an icon around which the whole community can rally and celebrate, BSF can continue to provide this as long as we have the support of the community.”

The charity is actively looking for sponsors to help drive its plans forward.

Claire Smith, a director and chairwoman of fundraising for the charity, added: “Sponsoring the foundation and its programmes is a great way for any big organisation in Bermuda to engage with the community and align with what we are doing.”

• For more information, visit www.bermudasloop.org or call 705-0384. The foundation also has an Instagram page, @SpiritOfBermuda, and a Facebook group at Bermuda Sloop Foundation