An event organised to inspire young women to chart a course towards a career at sea has been held.

The Endeavour sailing programme said that the Women on the Water event, which attracted 21 girls aged between 11 and 19 from 12 schools, was a huge success.

Ruth Mello-Cann, 17, a Berkeley Institute pupil and one of this year’s Endeavour’s Maritime Career Springboard programme graduates, said: “The Endeavour Women on the Water event is an inspiring day to be a part of.

“I was thrilled to be a part of this event again this year supporting female youth sailors with diverse interests and different levels of sailing for a fun-filled day on and off the water.”

Ms Mello-Cann added: “It is rewarding to be a qualified instructor this year to be able to support the on-water aspects of the event using my skills and qualifications.

“The positive vibes throughout the day as the girls made new connections and friends was definitely a highlight.

“I look forward to seeing more female representation in sailing and the maritime industry in the future.”

Graduate Nijanae Pemberton said: “It was such an awesome day seeing all of the female sailors have fun together.

“This special event encourages female youth sailors of all backgrounds to continue to get involved with youth sailing activities.

“Promoting women in sailing and maritime opportunities is critical as young women need to be supported towards accomplishing their goals and ensuring their achievements are recognised and celebrated.”

Danielle Frith, Endeavour’s community engagement coordinator, said: “We are grateful for Endeavour's youth volunteers who volunteered their time and talent contributing to the event’s success.

“They represent some of the female youth sailors who first participated in Endeavour’s programmes six years ago who completed the Endeavour assistant instructor programme and now lend their time to support and inspire younger sailors.

"Endeavour would like to thank Salt & Cedar who generously donated beautiful eco-friendly gifts for all of our Women on the Water participants along with Tuck Shop for donating delicious cupcakes, and Bonefish Catering who helped us ensure a healthy lunch for everyone.

“We are grateful to Endeavour’s valued donors and supporters for enabling us to create a positive impact in our community, in particular for Endeavour’s founding lead sponsor, Orbis Investments, for their unwavering support of Endeavour’s programmes and community engagement."

The event, held on March 20, and the fourth of its kind, was organised to honour International Women’s Day, which was celebrated earlier in the month.

Endeavour was set up to teach sailing as a way to build self-confidence and life skills.

The charity said it aimed to improve access to sailing and maritime careers for all young people.

Endeavour has involved more than 5,684 young people in Bermuda in its programmes, half of them female, since it was set up in 2015.

The International Maritime Organisation said women in maritime careers around the world amounted to just 1.3 per cent of the total number of jobs.

For more information about Endeavour, visit www.endeavour.bm