Recap of the 2023 Sailing Trips Hope Sailing Trips : An unforgettable adventure for 60 young people in remission from cancer 

A resounding success, the Sailing Trips Hope 2023 Sailing Trips once again provided an enriching experience for 60 young people in remission from cancer this past July. Transcending cultural and linguistic barriers, the survivors sailed in an atmosphere of sharing and solidarity aboard 15 sailboats on the crystal-clear waters of Lake Geneva. Under the guidance of a professional skipper, the young people hoisted the mainsail, steered the boat, and performed numerous tasks that helped them regain their self-confidence and a sense of freedom.

For five days and four nights, we set sail for a variety of destinations including Pully, Évian, the Vieux Rhône, La Tour de Peilz and Ouchy. During this trip, our budding young sailors took to the open seas, far from the family environment and in excellent conditions.

Under the guidance of experienced skippers and caring instructors, our young sailors had the opportunity to rediscover their independence through sailing. Lake Geneva can be a place of healing and hope, as 14-year-old Emma testifies: “It was an incredible experience to sail; it gave me a sense of freedom.” This kind of experience allows them to discover a new world where they are immediately given responsibility. And as Mélanie shares, “While sailing, we hoisted the Code 0 (a very thin sail). We managed to reach 4 knots (7.5 km/h). I was able to play around with the sail a bit and feel a sense of power rising within me,” the mission of Sailing Trips Hope Sailing Trips takes on its full meaning. Nicolas, the brother of one of our “survivors,” Sophia, who was also on the Sailing Trip have found his calling:“I want to buy a boat and become a skipper for Léman Hope,”he tells us. 

Beyond the sailing, the days spent on the lake were punctuated by challenges met with determination, wild water fights and shared laughter. Nights at anchor watching the stars were magical moments, filled with complicity and camaraderie.Léman hope is also an opportunity to meet other young people from different cantons, overcoming language barriers to forge genuine bonds, not forgetting the mascots on board, indispensable members of the crews! "It's important to get together with others who have lived through cancer, because we're all linked by the disease. We can all share our experiences, and thus unburden ourselves of an enormous burden. The others listen with attention and compassion," confides one young participant. 

At the conclusion of the 2023 edition, Léman hope founder Esteban Garcia emphasizes the importance of this project: “The Sailing Trips hope Sailing Trips are an experience that pays off in the long run. Young people gain confidence through memorable moments, each at their own pace and based on their own experiences. That is why we are committed to offering this adventure to all young cancer survivors in Switzerland, every year until they turn 21.” 

The whole Léman hope team would like to warmly thank the skippers, the instructors, the various ports and all the volunteers for their invaluable commitment, which has enabled us to create lasting memories for these young people, making this unique adventure possible.