2023
The pilot project and subsequent establishment took place in 2022, and in 2023 we set sail with the first "official" cruises.
3
Trips
5
Ships
39
Guests
Groups
- Kinderschifferheim, Würzburg
- Recovered children & their families (Oncology, Charité), Berlin
- Wilhelm Busch Förderschule, Halle
Financing
Individual donors
Companies
Foundations
Internal costs
Project costs
Expenses within the projects
- Charter costs for the ships
- Travel expenses for guests and crew (partially covered by the participants themselves)
- Catering costs on board and ashore
- Mooring fees for marinas and buoy fields
- Diesel costs for the yachts
- Other cruise costs required for smooth operation
Donations received and how they were used
The first year was characterized by a strong willingness to donate from individuals who learned about Sail for Kids for the first time. This has also led to regular donors who want to support us in the long term.
In addition, we were able to gain several foundations as partners, including Saving an Angel, the Beerenburg Foundation, the Peter Maffay Foundation, the Kinderfonds-Stiftung GLUECK IM UNGLUECK, and the Josef-Wittmann Foundation.
We are still thrilled by the actions of individuals who contribute to enabling therapeutic sailing for children with self-organized events or donation appeals.
These revenues covered all expenses for the cruises. Thanks to the generous discounts from some partners, such as charter companies, in 2023 we are forming general and project reserves for future investments.
CRUISE REPORTS 2023
In 2023, we once again experienced unforgettable sailing trips with special groups. These included children from the Kinderschifferheim Würzburg, recovered children and their families from the Oncology Department of Charité Berlin, and students from the Wilhelm Busch Förderschule Halle.
These trips offered a valuable break from everyday life and gave new strength and joy. Our cruise reports provide insights into these special experiences full of hope and solidarity.
Kinderschifferheim, Würzburg
INSTA STORYThe first cruise in 2023 took us on the water with the children and carers from the Kinderschifferheim Würzburg – and gave us a week full of adventure and unforgettable moments.
A very special highlight was the fulfillment of a child's longing wish: a trial dive that provided beaming eyes and lasting memories. But there was also plenty to do on board – from yoga on the ship to water ski adventures with the stand-up paddle board, there was something for everyone.
This trip not only brought a lot of joy, but also showed how enriching it is to try new things together and grow beyond yourself. We thank everyone who made this experience possible!
Recovered children & their families (Oncology, Charité), Berlin
INSTA STORYOur second cruise in 2023 took us to Sardinia with recovered children and their families – a journey full of emotions and shared adventures.
The start was an exciting ride over the waves, which shook everyone on board properly. But soon we were able to enjoy the Caribbean flair of the La Maddalena Archipelago, with crystal-clear water and beautiful bays. In the evenings, our yachts lay next to each other, and games like "Werewolf" were laughed and puzzled over until late into the night.
The crowning finale was a dinner together in a cozy pizzeria – a moment full of gratitude and togetherness. This cruise has shown how important it is to create such breaks that connect and give strength.
Wilhelm Busch Förderschule, Halle
INSTA STORYFEEDBACKOur third cruise in 2023 took us with students from the Wilhelm Busch Förderschule Halle from Biograd out to sea – a journey full of premieres for many.
With two boats, we had exciting races every day, which provided a lot of fun and team spirit. Some children discovered their passion for fishing, others experienced the vastness and magic of the sea for the first time. Another highlight was the courage to try new things: for many it was the first time they tasted seafood – an experience that often ended with surprise and joy.
This cruise was characterized by first times, new discoveries and shining eyes. A big thank you to everyone who made this special trip possible!
CREW 2023
These wonderful people donated their time in 2023 so that the children and families could enjoy a cruise on a Sail for Kids ship.
Ahoy, I'm Jürgen.
Gliding through the water with the wind, feeling the elements and merging with them fascinates me and strengthens my passion for sailing every day.
This passion, coupled with the goal of giving children a different perspective on life for a short time, makes me proud and happy.
Sailing changes, sailing shapes, sailing gives strength and manages to bravely aim for the horizon.
I am grateful to be part of Sail for Kids as a co-skipper and look forward to what is to come!
Gliding through the water with the wind, feeling the elements and merging with them fascinates me and strengthens my passion for sailing every day.
This passion, coupled with the goal of giving children a different perspective on life for a short time, makes me proud and happy.
Sailing changes, sailing shapes, sailing gives strength and manages to bravely aim for the horizon.
I am grateful to be part of Sail for Kids as a co-skipper and look forward to what is to come!
Hello, I'm Michel 😎
I've known Steffi and Ümit for a long time.
And since I have the large bus driver's license, my friend Ümit approached me with the request whether I could imagine driving the kids to Croatia.
Like everyone, I was immediately enthusiastic about the project and the idea.
I am very happy to be a part of this project!
It takes people with big hearts, then something like what these four have created can arise!
I've known Steffi and Ümit for a long time.
And since I have the large bus driver's license, my friend Ümit approached me with the request whether I could imagine driving the kids to Croatia.
Like everyone, I was immediately enthusiastic about the project and the idea.
I am very happy to be a part of this project!
It takes people with big hearts, then something like what these four have created can arise!
Hi, I'm Stephanie, grew up at the foot of the Alps, but from an early age of the opinion that the mountains block the view of the sea. And so sailing went quite quickly from Lake Starnberg to the Mediterranean, the English Channel and as far as the Caribbean to Cuba. But one of the most moving sailing experiences was the Sardinia cruise in the summer of 2023 with Sail For Kids, which I was allowed to accompany as a co-skipper together with my husband Eric.
Hi, I'm Eric. I come from a great seafaring nation, Ireland, the Titanic was built in my hometown of Belfast. Funnily enough, I only started sailing in my adopted home of Berlin and then immediately bought my own boat. As a co-skipper, I was on the road with Sail For Kids in Sardinia in the summer of 2023. Even better than the area were the children and their families. They have been through so much and were so cheerful. That impressed me a lot.
Hello! I'm Ümit! I have been sailing for 20 years and as the founder and head of a yacht charter agency, I am also professionally involved in the sailing theme. In 2021, I had the idea for the first time to take disadvantaged children sailing. What has developed from this is so incredibly beautiful and I am so grateful to have founded this wonderful organization together with my wife and friends, where we conjure up far "more" than a valuable smile on the lips of children and prepare them for life with the power of nature.
At Sail for Kids, I primarily take care of marketing, social media presence and am our link to the nautical industry.
At Sail for Kids, I primarily take care of marketing, social media presence and am our link to the nautical industry.
Hi! I'm Philipp. I am co-founder and managing director of Sail for Kids, but much more importantly: a passionate sailor and convinced that we will be able to help many more children with our offer. Sailing has something magical that changes people for the positive. That's exactly what we want to use for the children. We need your support for this. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!
