Thanks to Laura for sharing this latest news. Ed
A beautiful Ketch Aurique, Le Bora-Bora, manned by eight teenagers who have just recovered from serious diseases, has berthed at Cowes Yacht Haven on her way from Cherbourg to Dartmouth. Eight more will come aboard in August for a trip on the Mediterranean Sea.
The French association, Les Matelots De La Vie (Sailors of Life), has organised the adventure of a lifetime for the teenagers to aid their recovery, encourage them to be more active and to raise morale amongst the 3,000 children in French paediatric hospitals who are following their epic journey online. The Cowes Waterfront Trust has supported the voyage by providing the berth at Cowes Yacht Haven free of charge.
Free berth for three nights
Jon Pridham, managing director of Cowes Yacht Haven, said:
“It has been a joy to see Le Bora-Bora in the marina this weekend and to meet the children who have faced serious illness at such an early age.
“We were more than happy to provide Les Matelots De La Vie with a free berth for three nights as the work they do for the French paediatric hospitals is paramount.”
All stay in touch with the expedition
The junior sailors learn to work as a group preparing meals, cleaning, maintaining and helming the ship, taking part in night watches and studying nautical charts to plan their journey, which takes place over three weeks.
The children still in hospital and unable to make the trip follow along online through a dedicated website. The sailors record their adventures and share them online, as well as posting puzzles and reports for the other teenagers to take part in.
They can also video chat with the expedition and take part in online discussions about the marine environment, culture and local people. Following the thrilling expedition gives hope to teenagers who are struggling with diseases and breaks up what can be a monotonous time for them in hospital.
Giving hope to those still sick
Flore Leveque, manager of the sailing expedition, said:
“The teenagers who sail with us take on the responsibility of testifying to those still sick in hospital to give them hope and the will to fight their diseases.
“We have to extend our thanks to the Cowes Waterfront Trust and Cowes Yacht Haven for supporting Les Matelots De La Vie. They have looked after us very well.”
Nearly a decade of expeditions
Les Matelots De La Vie has run expeditions for young people in remission from serious diseases since 2006, taking in total 122 teenagers on incredible journeys across the Mediterranean Sea, the Tyrrhenian Sea and the French Atlantic coast.
