The Bermuda Sloop Foundation hopes to raise a total of $2.5 million for their project.

This begs the question, why put so much of their time and energy, all volunteer, into such a costly enterprise? "We want to raise Bermudians' and visitors' appreciation of our maritime history and to provide our youth with a world class vessel and sail training programme that takes them out of their familiar urban environment and puts them in an outdoor, natural environment that is exciting and challenging.

"We know sail training builds character, feelings of self worth, teaches teamwork and instils leadership. We believe this a good thing to do, almost necessary today.

"We will be working not only with achievers but kids at risk as well, get them working together in teams.

" We want to reach the couch potatoes and the kids sitting on the wall and show them there is more to life than computers games and souped up bikes.

"We think that in the process of urbanisation, something that is unique in the Bermudian character and spirit has been lost. We want to bring that back and celebrate our history in the process.

The Foundation hopes to reach 1500 kids in the first year of service through a day programme in the schools, introducing marine history and the sail training programme. Students will have the opportunity to sign up for a two-day voyage.

The Foundation hopes to attract 240 students who are prepared to make a longer commitment.

Eight teams made up of kids from diverse backgrounds would be trained in seamanship and to work together, respect each other and take pride in their accomplishments.

They will be taking longer sails and eventually, if the level of skill is attained, participate in ocean voyages as representatives of their country, just as trainees from around the world are doing in the current tall ships race.

Courtesy of Bermuda Archives: A traditional Bermuda-rigged sloop built in Bermuda 1834, the year of Emancipation. She is a Ballyhoo schooner. Bermudian marine architect, Bill Nash, believes the Ballyho schooner was a significant local evolution of the Royal Naval "Shamrock'' class.