It began in 2010 as Raise Your Spirits, a sober sailing programme for those affected by drug and alcohol abuse and later became Charlotte’s Sail following the death of young Bermudian, Charlotte Watlington in the fall of 2013.
The addiction community is hit especially hard by suicide as those struggling with substance abuse issues are at an especially high risk. Speaking about the programme and his beloved daughter, Charlotte’s father, James Watlington says, “Charlotte was an exceptional person, she brought joy and energy to everything she did. Charlotte’s Sail is about ensuring that we don’t forget those special individuals we have lost and remember the special gifts and love that they brought to our world”.
Taking place on the beautiful Spirit of Bermuda, Charlotte’s Sail is an experiential programme that enables members of our recovery community to connect through sailing and fellowship. All individuals and families whose lives are impacted by drugs or alcohol, including those new to recovery or in long-term recovery, are encouraged to join Charlottes Sail 2015 this November 7-8.
Chris Backeberg, Clinical Manager of Recovery Services Programmes at Pathways Bermuda, and co-facilitator of this year’s event, explains,
“Nature-based learning and development inspires evolutionary transition and transformation. While we have to learn to accept the wind and the ocean as they are, we can also learn how to adjust the rig and sails to co create pace, flow and direction. The metaphors and teachings have informed human beings long before we thought otherwise”.
Co-Facilitator Jim Roi adds: “Ultimately my vision is that what we do on Spirit will contribute to our peace of mind, our ability to give and receive, to love and to live life through a shared, spiritual adventure”.
“We are deeply appreciative of The Watlington Family, The Bermuda Sloop Foundation, The Bank of Bermuda Foundation, Butterfield & Vallis and many anonymous funders who together make Charlotte’s Sail possible for all members of our recovery community” emphasized Gordon Johnson, one of the event organizers.
Charlotte’s Sail 2015 will take place on the Spirit of Bermuda on November 7th at 12:00pm through November 8th at 4:00pm. The fee is $275 per person and scholarship funding is available. For more information please contact facilitator Gordon Johnson gordon.robert.johnson@gmail.com
