Review of Segeltörns Hope 2023 Segeltörns : An unforgettable adventure for 60 young people in remission from cancer 

A resounding success, the Segeltörns Hope 2023 Segeltörns once again provided an enriching experience for 60 young people in remission from cancer during the month of 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 allowed them to regain their self-confidence and a certain taste for 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.

Supervised by experienced skippers and caring instructors, our young sailors had the opportunity to regain their independence through sailing. Lake Geneva can be a place of healing and hope, as 14-year-old Emma explains: "It was an incredible experience to sail, it gave me a feeling of freedom." This type of experience allows them to discover a new world in which they are immediately empowered. And as Mélanie explains, "while sailing, we took out 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 little and feel a sense of power rising within me," the mission of Segeltörns hope takes on its full meaning. Nicolas, the brother of one of our "survivors," Sophia, who was also on the cruise, seems to 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 end of the 2023 edition, Léman hope founder Esteban Garcia reiterated the importance of this project: "The Segeltörns hope Segeltörns are an experience that bears fruit in the long term. Young people gain confidence through memorable moments, each at their own pace and according to their own experiences. That's 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.