Published on: 09 June 2022
VentureSail Holidays is emerging from a two-year pandemic stronger than ever with an increasing fleet and new destinations. The most recent vessel to join this dynamic sailing holiday agency is tall ship Irene of Bridgewater, who spends the majority of her time providing ‘blue therapy’ to one of Cornwall’s leading mental health charities, Sea Sanctuary.
For those new to the phrase, ‘blue therapy’ refers to the positive benefits of spending time in blue spaces, such as the sea and lakes. Sea Sanctuary firmly believes the sea has a profound impact on mood, which is why time on the water sits at the core of its ethos. Tall ship Irene, whisks those in need away from the hustle and bustle of daily lives, providing invigorating sailing adventures to help improve mental health and wellbeing.
To support these efforts, Irene spends part of her time offering holidays at sea off the Cornish coast, giving guests the chance to take to the water and explore Cornwall from a whole new perspective. No previous sailing experience is required and Irene offers comfortable private en-suite cabins with a generous saloon and lounge area. All meals are provided and included in the price and no previous sailing experience is required, although a sense of adventure is recommended! Sailing predominantly from Falmouth and Newlyn, Irene offers Cornish coastal sailing with the occasional venture across to the stunning Isles of Scilly.
One of the last of the Westcountry trading ketches, Irene was built in 1907 and joins the other last remaining ketch Bessie Ellen whose owner and skipper Nikki Alford also co-founded VentureSail Holidays. As Nikki explains: “Being at sea is truly magical, surrounded by water, the fresh sea-air, it is utter escapism allowing us to be at one with nature. We have long-understood the benefits of sailing and so it is wonderful to see the benefits of ‘blue therapy’ promoted for mental health and well-being. As owner and skipper of Bessie Ellen, it is also wonderful to welcome heritage vessel Irene to the VentureSail fleet and help support a true piece of maritime heritage.”
Irene is owned by the family which owns and runs Cardinal Clinic, a leading independent mental health hospital based in Windsor, Berkshire. Dr Morrish who owns Irene and Cardinal Clinic was hugely impressed with the approach of Sea Sanctuary and the benefits of ‘blue therapy’. He has gifted Irene for free to ensure that the programme can benefit as many people as possible.
Cardinal Clinic is delighted to provide financial support for the ongoing maintenance of Irene, to ensure Sea Sanctuary is able to continue providing the programme. To learn more about the work of Cardinal Clinic, please visit www.cardinalclinic.co.uk.
VentureSail Holidays is contributing a percentage of each Irene bookings to Sea Sanctuary, helping to support its invaluable charitable work. To find out more information or to book your sailing adventure, visit www.venturesailholidays.com.
