Bermuda born international singing sensation Heather Nova has lent her voice to help the Bermuda Sloop Foundation.

Ms Nova wrote and recorded a special song for the foundation to help them raise funds. The song is titled Together As One and appears on a special CD which has been released for the foundation.

Also on the CD is a song written by Ms Nova?s father, John Frith, and a song from 2003 album ?Storm?.

Ms Nova said she was drawn to the foundation because of her love of sailing. As a child her parents would take her sailing around the world on their boat.

?It was the most profound experience,? Ms Nova said as she tried to explain the joy and education she got from her open water sailing. ?It?s hard to explain. I learned a real respect for nature and my family, we worked together as a team. I also learned a lot about life.?

Ms Nova?s longest sail was 21 days from Bermuda to the Azores. During the press conference she said the Bermuda Sloop would encourage young people from all races and socio-economic backgrounds to work together. She said that sailing together would forge relationships. ?It will bring Bermudians together and break down barriers,? she said.

Ms Nova?s commitment to her Island is also illustrated by her choice to involve Bermudian vocalists on the Bermuda Sloop CD. Kwame Harris of Paget Primary and Laurin Davis of Elliot Primary, both of whom are ten years old, were approached to sing part of the chorus. Marcus Smith, who is nine and attends Prospect Primary, also sang in the chorus. They described Ms Nova as ?nice? and said working in a studio was exciting.

A local actuarial analyst, David Roache, also got the chance to work with Ms Nova.

Mr. Roache entered and won the Island wide competition for a local male to sing the harmony on Together as One.

Though he usually sings reggae Mr. Roache said he jumped at the chance to work with an international acclaimed musician and help out the sloop foundation.

?She was a pleasure to work with,? he said. ?She is very professional but she?s also friendly and has a great sense of humour.?

Mr. Roache also appreciated the opportunity to help the foundation because he thinks a sloop will be a wonderful addition to the Island and provide young people with an excellent opportunity.

The sloop, which has been named will arrive in Bermuda in May 2006.

The Heather Nova for the Bermuda Sloop Foundation CD is on sale at the Collector?s Hill Apothecary, Paget Pharmacy, AS Cooper, Sail On and many other locations.

The CD costs $10 and all proceeds will go the foundation and ultimately the youth of Bermuda. Ms Nova will also be signing covers of the CD today at the Bookmart between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.