Sailor Ben Stuart plucks youngsters from poor backgrounds and takes them to sea to give them skills and hope for the future

An initiative of the Malta Sail Training Association to motivate disadvantaged youths and broaden their horizons through sailing is bearing fruit.

It may seem far-fetched, but for Ben Stuart, a keen sailor himself, sailing has far-reaching benefits, honing life skills, stimulating personal deve-lopment and teamwork, building confidence, empowering and promoting responsibility – qualities that could contribute to society.

The first group of 15 youths from “heavy” circumstances and underprivileged backgrounds recently enjoyed a two-day adventure on a tall ship, which could be a life-changing experience for them.

Set up recently after three years in the pipeline, the association, the brainchild of Mr Stuart, should serve to provide youths who have few aspirations with a new outlook on the world around them and the opportunities they could seek.

The whole point is to integrate these young people, aged between 16 and 24, including those with disabilities, drug-related problems and unemployed. It aims to open their minds to experience emotions that could allow them to think differently.

Down at Vittoriosa Waterfront, Mr Stuart, who is also general manager of Camper & Nicholsons Grand Harbour Marina, has often encountered many kids, aged between 14 and 16, who should be at school but are idling their time away.

“They may not necessarily be troublesome but they are not academic-ally inclined. They spend their days running around a marina, swimming, fishing, riding bikes, instead of studying and working. They feel despondent about the future.”

He has taken the time to chat to them and has been shocked by their attitude. When asked what they wanted to do in life, most replied they did not know.

“As a kid, I was going to be the fastest fighter pilot in the world. This lack of ambition and stagnation in society worries me.”

Driven to set up an association that could offer them another perspective, Mr Stuart embarked on the idea to use sailing not as a sport but to create a sense of responsibility and teamwork, drawing on his own experience of sail training associations at 18.

These goals could be achieved on the sea and particularly on traditional tall ships, Mr Stuart argued.

“It is about overcoming the fear of climbing a mast to set the sails and experiencing an adventure ... Sailing puts individuals on an equal footing; the sea doesn’t distinguish between them in any way.”

Mr Stuart had to battle laziness and disinterest, also on the part of parents. But he secured the cooperation of the local councils of the Three Cities, the Employment and Training Corporation, Vincenzo Bugeja Conservatory residential home and De La Salle College.

In the end, a number of participants had to be turned down and there were complaints, which he considered a good sign.

As he related the stories of those who had joined himon the Florette, he was still moved to tears. “They could have sat at the back of the boat but they all stepped up to the mark 100 per cent,” Mr Stuart said.

One 16-year-old girl, who is under a care order, has always lived in a home. She was clinically depressed and on medication, spending most of her days in bed. But she jumped on the opportunity and rose to the occasion, e-mailing Mr Stuart to tell him it was the happiest day of her life.

“In 16 years ... that is just so heavy,” an emotional Mr Stuart said, as he showed photos of the girl laughing and smiling.

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