Sailing Trips Hope 2022: A Positive and Moving Recap

The wonderful third edition of Sailing Trips Hope Sailing Trips came to a close on Wednesday, July 21, with smiles and beaming faces—but above all, with parents proud of the experience their children had, often their first time away from home. 11 boats, 48 participants, 1 Valaisan dog, technical glitches, games, swimming, sunshine, nights under the stars… Words fail to capture the rich and intense experience these young people in remission from cancer had during these two Sailing Trips hope.

A highlight of the event was that the Léman Hope family welcomed 15 young Swiss-German participants, spread across six boats. This was their first chance to experience the joys of Lake Geneva. After often driving several hours from their homes, a new language, a new canton, a new lake, and new experiences awaited them! The French- and German-speaking apprentice sailors forged bonds of friendship through games and laughter. Welcoming young German-speaking Swiss was a first and a resounding success—“we all want to come back!” they said. Professor and Doctor Jochen Rössler, head of the Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology at the University Hospital of Bern, also honored us with his presence at the arrival of the Sailing Trips. He shared his surprise at seeing three young people he had known and treated a few months or years earlier, now so different, so open, and so happy: “It’s incredible to see these children so full of life. I only knew them in the hospital, in bed and undergoing chemotherapy, some with complications. Now, they’ve regained their strength and are in the midst of their own lives. They can express themselves independently and are very enthusiastic. They’re returning from this trip with a very positive outlook.”

As for the weather, our young sailors made the most of the scorching heat. Swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, floating on inner tubes, and exploring mysterious islands were a hit with kids and adults alike. But it was the towable paddleboard that took the prize for the best activity! “The Sailing Trip helped Sailing Trip realize that I have the right to have fun and trust myself,” says 17-year-old Brodie. 

During the second Sailing Trip, the skippers decided to change course to catch the wind: heading for the Grand-Lac and the ports of Rolle and Crans-près-Céligny. Léman Hope is, above all, an introduction to sailing aboard a sailboat. This experience allows participants to discover a whole new world in which young people are immediately given responsibility. Under the guidance of a professional skipper,From day one, they hoist the sails, take the helm, and perform numerous tasks to navigate the waters: building self-confidence with a taste of freedom. “My best moment was when we were sailing and the boat was leaning,” confides a young sailor who, following the Sailing Trips, hopes to become a skipper and get his boat license.

On land, the apprehension and excitement of parents leaving their child for the first time is palpable. They often fear that their child won't make friends or get along with other survivors. Cancer is not just a challenge to the body, it's also a painful psychological ordeal that often complicates social interactions. One mother confided to us on arrival: "I was anxious to let her go. Tonight, for the first time, I see the smile on her face that she had never found since her illness". A successful bet for Léman hope!

The Sailing Trips Hope Sailing Trips are designed to be a life-changing experience with long-term benefits. Young people gain confidence through memorable moments, each at their own pace and based on their personal experiences. That is why we are committed to offering this adventure to all young Swiss cancer survivors, every year until they turn 21. In 2022, out of 47 participants, 15 were taking part in the adventure for the second or even third time. Esteban Garcia, the project’s founder, also emphasizes the importance of pushing one’s limits: “We share our passion for sailing with young people who are regaining their self-confidence and can thus share their experiences with others who have gone through the same painful experience of cancer.”

The Sailing Trips may be over, but the Léman Hope adventure is just beginning for the young survivors. “The Sailing Trip because we were able to talk about cancer with people who have also had cancer—it feels good,” says 11-year-old Louana. A boost in self-confidence, open-mindedness, sharing, and new friendships sum up the unique experience our young sailors had. See you next year for new adventures!