A sailing programme for children dealing with autism and other developmental challenges completed its sixth year of offering recreational therapy.

Endeavour’s No Limits Sailing Programme worked with the insurance company BF&M for a fifth year to give pupils from five public schools, three of which were primary schools, lessons in sailing and boating.

Penny Smith, the mother of a No Limits pupil, said: “This is Derek’s fourth year with Endeavour for the BF&M No Limits Sailing Programme and we are grateful for the opportunity for him to participate and learn new things each and every time.”

Jenny Purvey, whose son, Tristen, is also in the programme, added: “Thank you to everyone involved with this programme.

“My son absolutely loves to sail with Endeavour – something he would have never done if it was not for this programme.”

No Limits Sailing offers recreational therapy to youngsters aged between 5 and 18 years to help build self-reliance and self-confidence.

The programme was started in 2016 and partnered with BF&M the following year.

Tristan Loescher, Endeavour West Programme Manager, said it was always “rewarding” to see pupils’ self-esteem grow through STEAM classes and on-water training.

He added: “We love watching the students' personalities shine through while they engage in hands-on learning activities including building sail karts, exploring buoyancy and boat design as well as exploring Bermuda from the water, completing a marine debris cleanup and a nature scavenger hunt.

“It has been incredible welcoming new and returning young people who are on the autism spectrum to Endeavour for the BF&M No Limits Sailing Programme.”

No Limits Sailing this year worked with Paget Primary, West Pembroke Primary and Prospect Primary in Devonshire, as well as Dellwood Middle School and the Berkeley Institute, both in Pembroke.

Ashleigh Lowe, a special education teacher from Berkeley, said that she was impressed by the programme instructors, adding that they were “absolutely amazing”.

Ms Lowe said: “Each of the team members demonstrate their expertise in sailing in a calm and patient manner.

“This really helps the students to feel comfortable and confident in their sailing excursions.”

She added: “Every time we attend Endeavour for the BF&M No Limits Sailing Programme, I observe new skills that the students have learnt and how they are growing in their confidence and willingness to try new activities and build their skills.

“This programme has been a highlight for the students for many years and it continues to have numerous positive benefits for students on the ASD spectrum.”

John Wight, the group chairman and chief executive officer of BF&M, said: “We are particularly proud of our sponsorship of Endeavour and the BF&M No Limits Sailing Programme.

“We are delighted to see so many students, especially children on the autism spectrum, having the opportunity to experience sailing and hands-on learning at no cost to their families.”