A charity dedicated to youth self-development has taken thousands of the island’s young people out sailing to test their skills — more than half of them young women. The Endeavour Programme marked International Women’s Day by treating 17 young women aged 12 to 19 from ten schools across the island to a day of team building and empowerment on the water. The event inspired confidence, fostered a sense of belonging and empowered the next generation of female leaders in the maritime and science, technology, engineering, arts and maths fields. More than 7,000 young sailors have been taken part in Endeavour programmes since 2015. Jennifer Pitcher, the organisation’s executive director, said the excursion last month brought out pupils from the Bermuda Centre for Creative Learning, the Bermuda Institute, Dellwood Middle School, Saltus, Sandys Secondary Middle School, Somersfield Academy, The Berkeley Institute, Bermuda High School, Warwick Academy and Whitney Institute. She added: “We’re grateful for the chance to get to know them, to encourage and support them and to witness their confidence grow. “Watching these extraordinary young women shine, on and off the water, as they embrace their potential and strive for their best is truly inspiring.” Erin Telford-Brangman, an assistant instructor, said participants saw young sailors support each other and build new friendships. Guest speakers shared “inspiring words of encouragement to dream big and believe in ourselves while working hard towards our goals”. Kiera Trott-Smith, 13, an Endeavour graduate and M2 student at Whitney, enjoyed sailing on the Hobie Wave catamarans, while Soraiya Trott, 12, of BHS, had a great time making new friends. Olivia Reilly, Endeavour’s operations manager, added: “This female-only event empowers young women to connect, grow and learn from one another — including older Bermudian youth actively involved in sailing and the maritime industry.” Tre’sure Nanette, an Endeavour programme instructor, said: “I have the best office in Bermuda working on the ocean, and I love seeing students from all walks of life build their confidence on and off the water every day.” Nijanae Pemberton, another instructor, said her favourite part of the work was “witnessing students’ growth and the positive impact across all of the programmes”. Sundée Faulkner and Lindsey Matthews from Dolphin Quest highlighted ocean conservation opportunities and women in maritime roles. Kim Raymond, Endeavour’s community engagement co-ordinator, gave special thanks to volunteers Noah Astwood and Erin Telford-Brangman. The Mount Saint Agnes Academy physical education department loaned equipment, while Cassine donated reef-safe sunscreen and The Tuck Shop and Bone Fish Bar & Grill provided food. Endeavour thanked its lead founding partner, Orbis Investments, along with Arch Capital Group Ltd and PwC Bermuda.