For the first time, the Spirit of Bermuda is sending a float in the Bermuda Day Parade, with a replica of the vessel accompanied by hundreds of young people.The move is part of an ongoing initiative to save the Bermuda Sloop Foundation’s youth programme.The Foundation is holding a public meeting today at 5.30pm, in its Wesley Street headquarters in Hamilton, to muster volunteers for assistance in creating the float.Young people in particular are wanted to turn out for the big day.Sloop administrator Masante Maryam said the aim was to put on as grand a show as possible to convey the impact of the vessel’s programmes on the Island’s young people.“We want it to be as close in likeness as possible, hopefully with sails that can be drawn up and down, and at least 200 young people in front and back,” Ms Maryam added.“We’re not just looking for children who have actually sailed with us — we’re looking for anybody to show their support.”The Foundation has set a goal of raising $3 million this year to keep its youth programmes afloat.The replica ship will be wooden, and decorated with leaves and flowers, in keeping with the parade’s aesthetic of using natural materials as much as possible.To join in, contact Ms Maryam at 737-5667, or e-mail masante.maryam@bermudasloop.org.