Young women from across the island took to the seas with Endeavour as part of International Women’s Day celebrations.

A spokeswoman for the sailing charity said 19 girls between the ages of 12 and 19 took part in its annual Women on the Water event, intended to inspire and empower.

Kristina Harborne, Endeavour’s West Programme Manager, said: “It’s incredible to see how far they have progressed since first sailing in the Endeavour Middle School Programme and furthering their skills development on and off the water as part of the Endeavour Graduate Programme during weekends and school breaks.

“We are proud of their accomplishments and look forward to continuing to support their growth and development.”

Participants in last month’s event, which was sponsored by Orbis, included representatives from ten of the island’s schools including Bermuda Institute, CedarBridge Academy, Clearwater Middle School, Dellwood Middle School, Mount Saint Agnes, Saltus, Sandys Secondary, Bermuda High School, Warwick Academy and Whitney Institute.

Sari Smith, a 2021 Endeavour Springboard graduate and student at Bermuda College, said: “It is wonderful to be a part of the Endeavour Women on the Water event, and it is inspiring to see the diversity of interests among female youth sailors who come together for this all-female event.

“I particularly enjoyed hearing from the female guest speakers, who are fantastic role models inspiring young women to be confident in their abilities, follow their dreams and accomplish their goals.

“Young women need to be supported and encouraged, and ensure that their accomplishments are recognised and celebrated.”

Nijanae Pemberton, a CedarBridge Academy student and 2022 Endeavour Springboard graduate, added: “It is amazing to see the female youth sailors who are from different backgrounds all come together for a fun day on and off the water.

“Encouraging young women to get involved with youth sailing is really important to ensure that there is increased female participation in sailing and maritime opportunities.”

Since 2015, Endeavour has engaged with more than 6,500 young people, with over half the participants being female.

The spokeswoman said: “Endeavour’s programmes give opportunities for diverse female youth from across Bermuda to get out on the water, connect with each other and learn more about maritime and sailing opportunities.”

Among those to support the event were Mia Page, co-founder of the natural beauty business Cassine, Kallie Marcus, owner of Kinetix, and Erin Grieg, the chief mate of Bluenose II and first Bermudian woman to hold an unlimited Officer of the Watch Licence.

Ms Greig said: “Women have proven time again that they excel at management roles within the maritime sector.

“I was honoured to share with Endeavour’s female sailors the expansive, opportunity filled horizon for women who pursue a career at sea and in support of the industry.”

• To learn more about Endeavour, visit www.endeavour.bm