Students who participated in Endeavour’s summer graduate programme were joined by 12 staff members and interns from Orbis Investments, the charity’s lead founding sponsor, on August 10.

Endeavour teaches students science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics through sailing.

Every student on the island takes part in Endeavour’s five-day programme during their first year of middle school, and some participants are invited to develop their skills through its graduate course, offered during the summer, midterm breaks and weekends.

In the programme, students learn about rigging, sailing across the wind, steering, tacking, speed control and ropework.

Monday’s activities included ice-breaking games, sailing in St George’s Harbour and lunch at Hen Island.

Geovanni Hayward, Endeavour East’s programme manager, said: “Our students had an absolute blast sharing what they’ve been learning through our graduate summer programme — including different knots, wind awareness and sailing skills.”

Inspired by the participants’ progress, instructor Jahshon Smith said: “Many of our sailors have limited sailing experience prior to their experience in the Endeavour Middle School Programme introducing them to sailing on Hobie Wave catamarans.

“We are very proud of their accomplishments as they practise their skills each day, and it is gratifying to see them emerge more confident with enhanced teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills, as well as an interest in pursuing sailing further.”

Dhiannan Bailey, 12, from the Bermuda Institute, enjoyed teaching the team how to tie knots.

Hunter De Madeiros, from Mount Saint Agnes Academy, and Rory Shepherd, from Saltus Grammar School, both 12, enjoyed sailing with Jordan, from Orbis.

Hunter said: “[Jordan] has sailing experience, and he taught me to do a move to help me to sail faster. It was a lot of fun.”

Aasiyah Rasheed, 11, from Dellwood Middle School, said she had a great experience and added: “My favourite part of the day was after lunch when everyone was swimming and the coaches were splashing us.”

Tai Simons, 11, also from Dellwood Middle School, enjoyed sailing with the team and meeting new people.

They said: “I tried eating kiwi for the first time, and it is now one of my favourite fruits.”

Elisa Gallagher, 12, from the Bermuda High School, enjoyed trying different experiences at the event, including sailing the RS Quest for the first time.

Orbis staff and interns also enjoyed Monday’s event, and team member Debbie Williams liked seeing how Endeavour affects Bermuda’s youth.

Theresa Andrade, another team member, was impressed by the level of knowledge before students even go out on the water.

She explained: “I was able to see and experience first-hand what the students learnt and how they applied it on the water.

“The interaction with the students was phenomenal and a memorable experience.”

Kiarrah Rogers, also from Orbis, who learnt to sail for the first time during Monday’s event, said: “Though intimidated at first, the instructors and students made me feel comfortable and made the day so much fun.”

Thanking the company for its long-term assistance, Tom Miller, the Endeavour chairman, said: “Their generous support of our work that enables us to transform young lives across the island through their engagement in Endeavour’s programmes.

“Endeavour’s programmes would not be possible without the collective support from our valued donors, partners and supporters.”

Jennifer Pitcher, Endeavour’s executive director, echoed Mr Miller’s gratitude and said: “Since Endeavour’s inception in 2015, Orbis has been fully committed to supporting Endeavour’s work, and we are deeply thankful for their employees who have generously lent their time, talent and resources to support Endeavour’s programmes and initiatives.

“Together with Orbis’s tremendous support we are making a meaningful change in young lives across Bermuda.

“We are overjoyed to see Orbis team members who brought their positive energy and enthusiasm interact with our Endeavour sailors and enjoy their experience.

“It was a memorable day for everyone and we look forward to future events.”

• To learn more about Endeavour and its various programmes, visit endeavour.bm