Sailing Trips
After her illness, Léman Hope takes over
The Sailing Trips Hope Sailing Trips are designed to help young people, ages 8 to 21, who are in remission from cancer regain their self-confidence after their illness. These are genuine 5-day therapeutic voyages on Lake Geneva aboard sailboats, alongside other young people of the same age who speak the same language. They learn to sail, form strong bonds, take on challenges… and above all, reconnect with life by becoming an integral part of the crew.
The next Sailing Trips take place:
Who is it for?
What?
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5-day stay on the lake aboard a sailboat, as part of a supervised fleet of 5 to 8 boats.
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Small group sailing trips for four young people, divided by age group and language.
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Accommodation aboard the sailboat, with overnight stays in port or at anchor, and meals included.
Where?
- Lake Geneva (departure from Lausanne or Pully, TBC).
- Lake Constance (departure from Arbon, TBC).
Supervision
- Each sailboat is supervised by a skipper and an instructor, both of whom are experienced and specifically trained in safety requirements.
- Medical teams are present during boarding and every evening in ports of call, and remain on call at any time during the day.
Boarding
The departure and return locations will be communicated upon confirmation of registration.
Cost
Completely free (excluding travel to the boarding location).
Transportation
Facilities
Léman Hope provides all necessary sailing equipment, including waterproof jackets and pants, life jackets, and long-sleeved UV-protective T-shirts.
The format
In groups of four, the young people spend five days and four nights on Lake Geneva aboard a Sailing Trip sailboat Sailing Trip between 8 and 10 meters long). From an introduction to sailing to swimming, games, and cooking, a wide range of activities fill their days on the boat. In addition, daily stops along the way allow the young people to discover new places around the lake every day and share an unforgettable adventure.
Framing
On board each boat, the four young people are accompanied by an experienced skipper and an instructor who has been affected by cancer in some way. A medical team is on standby throughout the Sailing Trip. Back at the dock, a team of volunteers from the Foundation handles all logistics and provides constant support.
Navigation
Throughout the Sailing Trip, the young people are introduced to the art of sailing aboard a sailboat on Lake Geneva. This experience allows them to discover a whole new world in which they are immediately given responsibility. Under the guidance of a skipper, the children handle the sails, steer the boat, and tackle the many tasks involved in sailing: building self-confidence while enjoying a sense of freedom.
Swimming
A Sailing Trip a sailboat on Lake Geneva is, above all, an opportunity to swim and play in the water at many different spots. Being pulled behind the boat on a rope and having water gun fights from one boat to another are just some of the water games that kids love. These are wonderful moments of relaxation and laughter, enjoyed in complete safety and a reassuring environment.
The games
In addition to sailing and swimming, games like Uno, Werewolf, and other board games also add variety to the program of Sailing Trips Hope Sailing Trips . The young sailors share special moments of camaraderie gathered around a table, rediscovering the serenity of a joyful childhood far from the hardships they have previously endured.
Life on board
During the Sailing Trips Hope Sailing Trips , young people fully participate in life aboard the sailboat. They help with daily tasks on board and are involved in preparing meals. This is an opportunity for them to experience community life within a small group where their voices matter and where they have the chance to express themselves while listening to one another. Together, they draft a code of conduct for life on the boat.
The stages
Every day, the Sailing Trips Hope Sailing Trips stop at a different port on Lake Geneva. Whether it’s in the mysterious atmosphere of the Old Rhône, near Chillon Castle, or enjoying an ice cream under the statue of Freddie Mercury on the quays of Montreux, in Geneva, or even in France, passengers have the chance to visit many of the places that make the Lake Geneva region so beautiful.
And starting in 2026, for the first time, Sailing Trips to German-speaking Switzerland, on Lake Constance, offering young sailors a new setting for adventure and discovery.
If it's hot, will we be able to go swimming?
Yes, provided the conditions are favorable and the skipper gives his approval. Our instructors are certified in lifesaving. Swimming is required to be done while wearing life jackets and within the area designated by the instructors.
Will we be able to take a shower?
Yes, there are showers at the ports. They can sometimes be a bit basic, but that's all part of the adventure!
If the weather is bad, Sailing Trip the Sailing Trip canceled?
No. Every morning, we have a weather briefing with our weatherman, Philippe Jeanneret! If the forecast calls for severe weather, we’ll stay in port that day. There are plenty of activities to enjoy even in port! And besides, any little twist the weather throws our way will just add some excitement to our adventure!
Will I be able to use my cell phone or smartwatch?
As you can imagine, there will be so many wonderful things to do that you won’t have much time to look at your phone. Plus, there’s a good chance it could fall into the water. We therefore strongly recommend that you leave your phone at home. Phones brought on board will be kept in a box supervised by the staff. To take photos on board, a camera will be available for everyone to use. As for communicating with families, we can pass along messages if needed 🙂
How can I preserve memories of this adventure?
During the Sailing Trip, a waterproof camera will be available for everyone to use on each boat. The photos taken will be compiled and made available in a digital souvenir album after the Sailing Trip at
It is essential to always make sure that the people in the photos have given their consent before publishing them.
How will I know who I'll be with on the boat?
Don't worry—you'll be notified as soon as the Léman Hope team finalizes the crews. Even though the boats are prepared well in advance, last-minute cancellations or changes can sometimes alter the crew composition. To avoid multiple successive changes, we generally share this information shortly before departure.
Can I choose who I'll be with on the boat or which boat I'll be sailing on?
Unfortunately, no. Crews are formed based on various criteria, such as age, language, availability, and the overall balance of the group. This ensures that everyone has the best possible experience.