Lead HER Ship 2024!
August 27, 2024
The CYC Foundation continued our flagship Lead HER Ship program in July 2024, with nine young women taking part in a five-day cruise on Lake Michigan aboard the 77-foot gaff-rigged tall ship Inland Seas.
Hardly a leisure cruise, this one, led by our educational partner the Inland Seas Education Association, had the teens serving as crew and learning to operate the boat, taking water samples from Lake Michigan and analyzing their contents, and standing night watch. Of course, fun was to be had as well, from visiting island beaches to viewing beautiful sunsets and starry skies, and making new friends. Sunset photo credit: Savannah.
For some of the young women, it was their first time aboard a sailboat. "I had fun learning new things and seeing the beautiful water, also I really enjoy the view," said one sailor, noting "This trip is so special to me because it was my first time being in a boat." Others had participated in previous CYC Foundation sailing programs and were eager to further develop their skills. All came to the program via the Foundation's valued community partner organizations; this year, Union League Boys and Girls Clubs, SOS Children’s Villages (since renamed One Family Illinois), Rickover Naval Academy, and University of Chicago Charter School - Woodlawn.
The sailors expressed their appreciation to CYC Foundation supporters in hand-drawn thank-you notes that truly convey how meaningful they found their experience aboard. "I feel like I learned more in five days than what I would learn in school for a whole semester," reads one note. "The crew always had everything I needed and were so nice and understanding. They always made sure I ate healthy foods and didn’t feel sick when the boat was rocking. I felt very safe the whole trip and this trip helped me overcome my fear of boats."
Another sailor cited the freedom from daily cares that sailing can offer, saying "Thank you for donating and making it possible for me to escape all the drama of my home and letting me try something new." She also noted additional benefits: "This will help my college applications in terms of leadership. This trip helped me to be able to meet new people who I’ve gotten close with in the last few days. 10/10 best experience!"
Savannah, a sailor who also served as trip photographer, commented that the trip "... didn’t come without its challenges, which was fine because it had its funny bits as well. I’m happy to say that I made a friendship with my bunk mates. I can’t thank you enough for giving me the chance."
Savannah, we thank YOU for sharing your talent with us, and you and all your bunkmates for participating and working together to make this trip so special for each other!