Celebrating the first school in the Ocean Love NO Plastic NO Waste program for season 2026!

 

 

 

CELEBRATING THE FIRST SCHOOL IN THE OCEAN LOVE NO PLASTIC NO WASTE PROGRAM FOR SEASON 2026

 

At Sea View Farm Primary School, something powerful happened. A group of Grade 4 students didn’t just learn about plastic pollution. They experienced it. They responded to it. And they stood up to become part of the solution.

This is more than a school program.
This movement is growing across Antigua, and it starts with children.

 

Why Ocean Love matters now more than ever

Plastic pollution is one of the greatest environmental threats facing our oceans today. In small island states like Antigua and Barbuda, the effects are visible and personal. Plastic washes onto our shores. It enters marine ecosystems. It impacts fisheries, tourism, and the natural beauty that defines our home.

But here’s the truth we believe in:

When you educate a child, you change the future.

The Ocean Love NO Plastic NO Waste program was designed to inspire and empower the next generation to take action. By combining hands-on environmental education with creative upcycling activities, we help students understand how everyday choices affect our oceans and environment.

We don’t just talk about change.
We equip students to create it.

The Journey: four transformational sessions

Our school program consists of four carefully designed sessions that build knowledge, confidence, and action.

  1. The Guest Lecture & Bottle Cap Challenge

We began at Sea View Farm Primary School with an interactive guest lecture on plastic pollution. Together, we explored:

  • The dangers plastic poses to marine life
  • How waste travels from land to sea
  • The power of the 4 R’s:
    • REFUSE
    • REDUCE
    • REUSE
    • RECYCLE

The enthusiasm, curiosity, and excitement from the students reminded us exactly why this work matters so much.

But we didn’t stop at learning.

We challenged the students to fill a reusable water bottle with waste plastic bottle caps. Caps that would later be transformed in our workshop into something meaningful and lasting.

  1. The Assignment Session: when creativity took over

Two weeks later, we returned to Sea View Farm Primary School for the Assignment Session, and we were astonished. The students didn’t simply complete homework. They brought the 4 Rs to life through

  • Skits
  • Raps
  • Storytelling
  • Beautifully designed posters

They showed not only what they had learned but also how deeply they cared.

In just two weeks, these students demonstrated a stronger understanding of recycling, reducing waste, and protecting their communities. The level of creativity, ownership, and passion on display was nothing short of inspiring.

Moments like these are proof: when children are empowered with knowledge, they become confident advocates for change.

 

  1. The Workshop Field Trip & Beach Clean

If the classroom sparked understanding, the field trip ignited purpose.

Students at Sea View Farm Primary School visited the Ocean Love NO Plastic NO Waste workshop in Falmouth Harbour, Antigua, where plastic waste is transformed into new opportunities.

Before learning about the plastic upcycling process, they participated in a beach cleanup. There is something profoundly eye-opening about standing on a shoreline and seeing the impact of plastic pollution firsthand. It turns theory into reality. After the clean-up, students learned about types of plastic and had a hands-on training session using the machines to make small key-hanger sea creatures from plastic waste.

The energy and excitement were contagious. Hands-on environmental education makes learning unforgettable. It bridges the gap between awareness and action.

  1. The Bench and the Ocean Lovers Pledge Ceremony

Then came the moment none of us will ever forget. We proudly donated the first school bench made entirely from waste plastic bottle caps to Sea View Farm Primary School.

This bench represents:

  • Over 17,000 bottle caps and 120 pounds of plastic waste
  • 120 pounds of plastic that did not enter the ocean

Crafted by our founder, Billy Gernertt, with assistance from our dedicated intern Kaemoy in our Ocean Love workshop in Antigua, this bench is more than furniture. It is a permanent reminder that waste can be transformed into possibility.

The ceremony was covered by ABS TV, helping spread awareness throughout the island about plastic pollution, protecting our ocean the 4Rs REFUSE, REUCE, REUSE and RECYCLE.

Check out the video https://youtu.be/SN2HedzFXkE

To mark the successful completion of the program, the Grade 4 students stood together and took the Ocean Lovers Pledge. They committed to being lifelong ocean lovers.
They promised to REFUSE, REDUCE, and REUSE plastic.

And in that defining moment, we recognised the power of the next generation to protect the environment.

 

The first of seven schools in 2026

Sea View Farm Primary School marks the first of seven schools joining the Ocean Love program in 2026. Also, the Girl Guides of Antigua and Barbuda joined the program.
– Over hundreds of students.
– Over thousands of caps diverted from the ocean.
A ripple effect of change is spreading across Antigua and Barbuda.

 

 

Gratitude to the partners for making this possible

None of this happens alone.

We extend our deepest gratitude to our funders who believe in investing in the next generation of environmental leaders:

Your commitment is not simply financial support. It is a declaration that the future of our oceans matters.

You helped prevent plastic from entering the ocean.
You helped create a permanent symbol of transformation.
You helped ignite lifelong awareness in young minds.

We also extend heartfelt appreciation to:

  • Antigua Barbuda Waste Recycling Corporation (ABREC) for donating plastic to support our upcycling efforts.  https://www.facebook.com/p/Abwrec-Antigua-Barbuda-Waste-Recycling-    Corporation-100064779066506/
  • Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme for being the pioneering funders of our Ocean Love No Plastic No Waste Workshop. Your early belief made this initiative possible. https://www.facebook.com/GEFSGPAntiguaBarbuda/

And to the teachers, principal, and incredible students of Sea View Farm Primary School. Thank you for welcoming us and for embracing the message Ocean Love NO Plastic NO Waste with open hearts.

When those students sit on that bench, they will remember:

  • I can make a difference
  • My actions matter

 

“New Moon” joins the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta 2025

 

 

 

“New Moon” joins the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta 2025 with a race crew of young Antiguan Sail trainees!

 

Sail training on the Carriacou Sloop New Moon

The West Indies Sail Heritage Foundation, www.caribwish.com offers free sail training to Antiguan youth aged 12 to 23. Billy and Charlotte provide sail training on their traditional Carriacou sloop, “New Moon, “. Sail trainees actively engage in lessons and hands-on experiences that teach them the fundamentals of sailing and ignite a passion for maritime careers.

 

Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta,  16-21 April 2025

The Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta celebrates like-minded people coming together to share their passion for racing stunning classic & vintage yachts in superb sailing conditions.. All the yachts gather in Nelson’s Dockyard for a celebration of tradition, camaraderie, and the timeless allure of classic yachts. This year’s regatta holds special significance as we commemorate the 300th birthday of the historic Nelson’s Dockyard.

Every year, we race in the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta  www.antiguaclassics.com with a crew of young Antiguan Sail trainees. You will recognize our race crew in their bright orange shirts, matching the vibrant colours of “New Moon”. The sail trainees play an active role in racing “New Moon” and demonstrating the skills they have learned during sail training. Last year, our sail trainee, Nevin, was at the helm, steering “New Moon” to an impressive third place in our class. Our race crew of young Antiguan sailors are more than up to the challenge of winning again this year!

 

The GO to SEA program

In cooperation with Second Star Sailing www.secondstarsailing.com , we designed the GO to SEA program. This program offers more experienced sail trainees the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to pursue professional maritime training and succeed in further steps toward a maritime career. We also offer participants of the GO to SEA program the opportunity to sail on traditional Tall Ships and experience offshore sailing. Trainees sailed on Tall Ship Eendracht from St. Maarten to the BVIs, Brigantine Florette from St Maarten to Antigua, and this year on Tall Ship Gunilla. We organize this program in collaboration with Caribbean Sail Training www.caribbeansailtraining.com

 

Donate

Help us inspire the next generation of professional sailors and support our sail training program! Every donation counts, and together, we can empower young sailors and preserve Antigua and Barbuda’s rich sailing heritage. 

Ready to join us and change lives? For more information, contact Billy, the founder of the West Indies Sail Heritage Foundation, via WhatsApp at 1-268-7763484 

 

We thank our sponsors for their collaboration and support!

Tender Loving Care for Carriacou Sloop New Moon!

 

 

Tender Loving Care for Carriacou Sloop New Moon!

 

It’s that time of year again at Sammy’s Boat Yard as we roll up our sleeves and dive into maintenance for our beloved traditional wooden Carriacou Sloops.

What are Carriacou Sloops?

The boats are beautiful and fast, which makes them wonderful to look at. It gives the sensation of speed and excitement. Built as fishing and cargo sloops, their chief cargo was livestock and salt, but sometimes, their manifest included smuggled booze from St. Barth.

New Moon is a classic Carriacou fishing sloop, immaculately built to the highest boat-building standards with the best materials available. She was built on the beaches of Windward, Carriacou, and launched on July 11, 2010. The vessel was carefully crafted by boat builder Bernard Compton over 18 months.

New Moon is  32’ long, 9’ beam, and 5’ draft and is a very fast and lively day sailor. She is built out of Carriacou cedar on a green heart keel. All of her fastenings are silicon bronze, and the planking and basic interior are Guyanese silver Bali.

 

Tender Loving Care for Carriacou Sloop New Moon, Genesis and Sweetheart

Painting is part of the rhythm of care, especially with traditional wooden boats like a Carriacou sloop. It is a way to show love and pride for the craft and the culture. Every year, we spend a couple of weeks in Sammy’s Boatyard for maintenance. Sanding, fairing and painting are hard work, but it is very rewarding to reveal her true beauty. 

This year, the yard has transformed into a gathering of Carriacou Sloops, each one telling a story of care and dedication. Off in the corner stands Carriacou Sloop Genesis, a little ahead in maintenance and nearly ready to make her triumphant splash, gleaming and bright. Sweetheart, however, is in for a complete refit. Nicknamed “Sweat Hard” by Bruce, our devoted restoration wooden boat expert, sees her transformation as a labor of love. While she won’t grace this year’s Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, we look forward to her dazzling debut next year.

 

Why does New Moon have an orange deck?

Powerful, fun, vibrant, and connected to the traditional Caribbean fishing fleet. The orange decks are for safety and to dry the fish. The color of adventure and social communication.

With its enthusiasm for life, the color orange relates to adventure and risk-taking, inspiring physical confidence, competition, and independence. Those inspired by orange are always on the go! Orange aids in the assimilation of new ideas and frees the spirit of its limitations, giving us the freedom to be ourselves.

 

Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta and Concours d’Elegance

As we approach the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta from April 16-21, 2025, excitement fills the air as we prepare for the Concours d’Elegance on April 16. Having won first prize in the privately maintained class for four consecutive years, we are determined to surprise the judges again with the beauty of New Moon. 

Massive shoutout to all our incredible friends for their support, from donating paint to refreshing those beautiful letters. Your help means the world to us!

It’s going to be a spectacular gathering of maritime passion and heritage. This event promises to bring together sailors from all corners of the world, united by a love of the sea and a commitment to preserving the legacy of Classic and Vintage yachts.

Let’s keep the spirit of our Carriacou wooden boat legacy alive and thriving! 

Thank you, Ocean Cruising Club Charitable Trust!

 

 

Thank you, Ocean Cruising Club Charitable Trust, for supporting Youth Sail Training in Antigua!

The West Indies Sail Heritage Foundation (WISH) is grateful to the Ocean Cruising Club Charitable Trust (OCCCT) for their generous donation in support of our youth sail training program in Antigua. This marks the second year that OCCCT has contributed to our mission, providing a significant donation of 1,700 EC to help us continue our efforts in maritime education and skill development.

Sail Training on traditional Carriacou sloop New Moon.

The WISH Foundation is dedicated to offering free sail training for young Antiguans between the ages of 12 and 23. This program takes place aboard their traditional Carriacou Sloop, New Moon, where participants gain hands-on experience in sailing. Through engaging lessons, they learn the fundamentals of navigation, seamanship, and boat handling. More than just technical skills, the program fosters teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and self-confidence, empowering young sailors to explore future opportunities within or beyond the maritime industry.

The support from the Ocean Cruising Club Charitable Trust is instrumental in keeping this program accessible to all interested youth, regardless of their background. Their commitment to sailing, education, and community building aligns perfectly with the goals of WISH, ensuring that the rich maritime heritage of the West Indies continues to thrive in the next generation.

Who is the Ocean Cruising Charitable Trust (OCCCT?

The OCCCT is a non-profit organization based in the United Kingdom, dedicated to supporting sailing initiatives worldwide. Their contributions enable programs like ours to equip young people with valuable skills and experiences that can lead to lifelong careers at sea. For more information about their work, please visit www.occtrust.org.

Make a donation and support young Antiguan sailors!

Would you like to make a difference in the lives of aspiring Antiguan sailors? By making a donation, you can help support their journey toward a promising maritime future.

For more details, please contact Billy, the founder of the West Indies Sail Heritage Foundation, via WhatsApp at +1-268-776-3484 or visit our website at www.caribwish.com/donate/.

Join us in inspiring and training the next generation of professional sailors! Your support can truly make a difference!

 

Celebrating Women in Sailing this International Women’s Day!

 

 

 

Celebrating Women in Sailing this International Women’s Day! 

 

On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the incredible women who have made waves in the world of sailing, navigating uncharted waters, breaking records, and inspiring us all. From racing across oceans to commanding ships and embracing the freedom of the sea, women have consistently demonstrated that they possess the resilience, skill, and passion necessary to be sailors and mariners.

We honor these fearless women who have faced the wind, conquered the tides, and proven that the sea belongs to everyone. 

 

West Indies Sail Heritage Foundation encourages women to learn how to sail

The West Indies Sail Heritage Foundation’s ambition is to encourage and empower women to join the world of sailing. One of the WISH Foundation’s key initiatives is the opportunity for women to participate in sail training on their traditional Carriacou sloop, “New Moon”. The aim is to foster an inclusive environment where women can learn to sail, navigate, and be part of the race crew, whether they are experienced sailors or absolute beginners.

One of the leading advocates for women in sailing is Charlotte Hooijdonk, co-founder of the West Indies Sail Heritage Foundation. Charlotte has become an ambassador for women in the sailing community, inspiring countless individuals to follow their passion for the sea. In 2000, Charlotte made a bold decision to change her career path, leaving her management career behind to pursue a career in sailing. She earned her RYA Ocean Master certification and sailed professionally as a second officer on Tall Ships and Classic yachts in the USA, Australia, Europe, and the Caribbean.

Second Star Sailing launched the WOMEN AT THE HELM program

One of the WISH Foundation’s key collaborations is with Second Star Sailing www.secondstarsailing.com in Antigua, which launched the WOMEN AT THE HELM program. This program provides a supportive learning environment, with female instructors guiding and encouraging women to build their sailing skills. In addition to this, Second Star Sailing has developed an Apprenticeship Program, designed to help Antiguan women begin or further their careers in the blue economy. This initiative has already led to several Antiguan women joining the WISH Foundation’s race crew for the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta and becoming sail trainees in the GO to SEA program.

For more info about the WOMEN AT THE HELM PROGRAM go to the website 

https://secondstarsailing.com/women-at-the-helm/

The power of teamwork

The West Indies Sail Heritage Foundation is committed to achieving equal participation of male and female sailors in their sail training programs and race team. The WISH Foundation firmly believes in the power of teamwork and strives to create an environment that allows women to develop their individual strengths while also being strong team players. By participating in these programs, women not only learn the technical aspects of sailing but also gain valuable leadership and teamwork skills that will serve them in all areas of life.

 

Join us today and learn how to sail!

If you are between the ages of 13 and 23 and have ever dreamed of learning how to sail? 

The West Indies Sail Heritage Foundation offers sail training every Saturday in Falmouth Harbour from 10 AM to 2 PM. The lessons take place aboard our traditional Carriacou sloop, “New Moon”, and are designed to teach young sailors in a fun and supportive environment.

For more information, please visit our website at www.caribwish.com/contact/ and complete the contact form, or contact Billy directly via WhatsApp at +1-268-7763484.

 

Let’s celebrate the women who continue to shape the world of sailing and inspire the next generation to take the helm.