Connecting young people to water, the sea, is a topic so close to our hearts. As the bodies of research around ‘Blue Health’ in particular have grown, we better understand that time spent on or near water has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety and depression, promoting emotional resilience and improved mental well-being.

For children and young people - it can be teamwork, confidence-building, inclusion and self-esteem and bigger still - dreams, hopes and ambitions.

Here’s Greg Bertish, Founder of The Little Optimist Trust & Sailing Therapy Academy in Cape Town, to help us understand more.

PART 2/2

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston made history in 1968-69 as the first person to sail solo and non-stop around the world, an achievement that secured his legendary status in the sailing world. He then co-founded Clipper Ventures, established the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race in 1996, transforming ocean racing by making it accessible to everyday people with no previous sailing experience. Through the Clipper Race, he has introduced thousands and thousands of people to offshore racing —an accomplishment he considers among his greatest achievements.

Beyond Clipper, Sir Robin's personal sailing achievements continue to be extraordinary. At 68, he became the oldest yachtsman to complete a solo round-the-world voyage in the Velux 5 Oceans Race; he won the Jules Verne Trophy with Peter Blake in 1994; at age 75, he finished third in the Route du Rhum solo transatlantic race in 2014, proving that his competitive fire and seamanship has remain undimmed.

As a life-long ocean appreciator, Sir Robin's strong penchant for high latitude sailing, namely around the reaches of the Arctic Circle, continues to expand his lifelong, exceptional insight into our changing oceans and climate.

PART 1/2

This sailor and podcast guest needs no introduction, but he deserves one.

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston made history in 1968-69 as the first person to sail solo and non-stop around the world, an achievement that secured his legendary status in the sailing world. He then co-founded Clipper Ventures, established the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race in 1996, transforming ocean racing by making it accessible to everyday people with no previous sailing experience. Through the Clipper Race, he has introduced thousands and thousands of people to offshore racing —an accomplishment he considers among his greatest achievements.

Beyond Clipper, Sir Robin's personal sailing achievements continue to be extraordinary. At 68, he became the oldest yachtsman to complete a solo round-the-world voyage in the Velux 5 Oceans Race; he won the Jules Verne Trophy with Peter Blake in 1994; at age 75, he finished third in the Route du Rhum solo transatlantic race in 2014, proving that his competitive fire and seamanship has remain undimmed.

As a life-long ocean appreciator, Sir Robin's strong penchant for high latitude sailing, namely around the reaches of the Arctic Circle, continues to expand his lifelong, exceptional insight into our changing oceans and climate.