On June 5th, a crew of courageous—and admittedly slightly terrified—beginners is stepping aboard a yacht to circum-navigate the Isle of Wight. They aren’t doing it for the glory of the sport. They are doing it because community matters, and because no one in our community should have to wonder where their next hot meal is coming from.

The Challenge: 60 Nautical Miles of Learning on the Fly

Sailing completely around the Isle of Wight is no leisurely afternoon cruise. It is a challenging 60-nautical-mile (around 69 miles) journey. It could take 12 hours or more.

Our crew will face the unpredictable waters of the Needles, tricky tidal races, and the sheer physical exhaustion of managing a sailing vessel.

The twist? Most of our crew have never sailed before.

They will be learning the ropes, quite literally, on the rough open sea. Every knot tied, every sail hoisted, and every shift against the wind will be a lesson learned in real-time. They are volunteering to push themselves to their absolute limits, trading the safety of dry land for blistered hands and motion sickness. They are braving the elements to raise vital funds for Safe Harbour Community Meals.

Every single week, Safe Harbour provides more than just hot, nutritious food to those facing hardship, isolation, or homelessness in our community. We provide a safe space, a listening ear, and a sense of belonging. But as the need grows, so do our costs.

A Voyage of Mutual Support

This incredible journey has been made possible by the incredible generosity of the Morning Star Trust, who have provided the yacht for this expedition. To honor their incredible work with young people and communities, 10% of all funds raised (up to £500) will go directly back to supporting their vital work with young people.

Our crew is willing to face the 60-mile sail and the steep learning curve, but they can't do it alone. They need your support as the wind in their sails!

They are stepping out of their comfort zones so that members of our community don't have to step into the cold. Please, dig deep, support our rookie sailors, and help us keep the Safe Harbour doors open to everyone.