Our Story
"One positive moment with a young person can change their path forever."
- Sanaa Lathan
"One positive moment with a young person can change their path forever."
- Sanaa Lathan
wish
West Indies Sail Heritage Foundation
Our Mission is to guide young people on a voyage of self-discovery and confidence building through hands-on experience aboard our traditionally built Caribbean sailing vessel New Moon, where education is based on action and reflection. To involve more young people, more Caribbean islands and make it into a living and working sailing history of today. Above all, however, we desire to teach youngsters to live passionately while learning to protect the ocean and have a beneficial impact in their communities.
NEW MOON
Why the name New Moon?
They cut the first tree for the build of the boat on a new moon. In astronomy, a new moon marks the first lunar phase. Wood cut at this time is said to be more resistant, durable, and less apt to shrink or crack. As a new moon is the start of a new lunar cycle, it symbolizes new beginnings. Many people use the energy of a new moon to achieve their goals or start on a new project.
oPPORTUNITIES
“Success is where preparation and opportunity meet.” – Bobby Unser
We use our vessel to show youngsters that careers on the water are not just something seen from the shore. We put the tiller and lines in their hands to give them a sense of personal accomplishment. Working with other students as a team they take a static thing and make it dynamic; they make a boat sail. Sailing strengthens problem solving skills and builds confidence that can pave a way to a fulfilling career not just in the maritime world.
TOGETHER
Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean. – Ryunosuke Satoro
We believe in working together toward common visions. To guide individual success to meet collective objectives. It is a stimulus that drives people to achieve exceptional results. Whenever people come together with shared goals, vision or commitment, the character and strength of teamwork becomes significant. Research has shown that people who score high in these strengths have a more positive view of others and have a deeper social trust, this can lead to greater success on the task or goal at hand.
Our team
BILLY GERNETT
FounDER OF THE West Indies Sail Heritage Foundation Inc.
Billy Gernert is a former automotive mechanic, marine engineer, accomplished sailor,and environmentalist. Having sailed on several Tall Ships, including Picton Castle’s World Voyage 6, Billy has logged over 50,000 nautical miles in the last twenty years. He has spent two decades working with teenagers on traditional sailing vessels. Billy understands that sailing and maritime heritage are powerful tools that inspire youngsters with the joy of learning, foster a reverence for nature, and build self-confidence and teamwork skills.
Billy’s mission with the West Indies Sail Heritage Foundation is to provide sail training and maritime opportunities for Antiguan youth, sharing his passion for sailing and his love for the ocean. On board the WISH Foundation’s Carriacou Sloop, “New Moon,” students learn about sailing and gain the skills to pursue a career in the maritime field.
Billy is dedicated to raising awareness about plastic pollution in the oceans. He established a plastic upcycling workspace called Ocean Love NO Plastic NO Waste in Antigua. In this workspace, he hosts school classes and youth groups to educate them about plastic pollution and teach them how to transform plastic into new, valuable products. Additionally, he designs and produces household items and furniture made from plastic waste.
CHARLOTTE HOOIJDONK
DIRECTOR OF THE West Indies Sail Heritage Foundation Inc.
Charlotte brings a wealth of experience from her background in retail management, and her current role as an innovation and change project manager reflects her commitment to positive transformation. Together with her husband, Billy Gernertt, she founded the West Indies Sail Heritage Foundation in 2019 in Antigua to provide sail
training and encourage Antiguan Youth on a path to maritime careers while instilling a lifelong respect for maritime culture and a sense of stewardship for the ocean.
ANNABELLE REYNOLDS-MANNIX
CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER OF THE West Indies Sail Heritage Foundation Inc.
Annabelle is the Chief Marketing Officer of the West Indies Sail Heritage Foundation, where she supports initiatives that help young Antiguans pursue careers in the maritime industry. A creative entrepreneur, she is also the founder of Ancrey Designs, a web and graphic design agency specializing in branding solutions.
Her diverse professional background includes real estate, customer service, and tourism. She previously owned and managed a nature tour company, encouraging environmental appreciation, and led a children’s activity program aimed at reconnecting young people with nature.
Annabelle is also a Director of Youth Today, an organization dedicated to empowering young people in Antigua and Barbuda through education, creativity, and skill-building. Her work merges design, marketing, and community initiatives, making a lasting impact.