BLUE SPIRIT - UK
Blue Spirit enables young people (aged 14 to 25) who are experiencing a mental health challenge or facing social / economic disadvantage to go sailing.
Blue Spirit supports children and young people aged 14 to 25 who are experiencing a mental health challenge or facing social / economic disadvantage. Otherwise sailing would remain an exclusive activity beyond the reach of them.
The project was started by Solen Lees in memory of her son
Laury Gratiet who loved sailing but died tragically young.
Through their sailing partners, they offer anything between half-day dinghy sailing, weekend sails and 6-day residential voyages. Participants don’t need any experience or special gear to participate – just some enthusiasm and an open mind.
2025 has been Blue Spirit's biggest yet in terms of young people reached. It’s also a year in which they have had some compelling evidence about their long-term impact on young people.
A counsellor from one of their partner youth groups gave this testimonial:
"Without what you have done then there would potentially be two less wonderful young people here.
You are making a difference and these are real examples of real young people you may well have saved through your work.”