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The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust is continuing to renew its fleet with the arrival of Peter PAN, a Beneteau Oceanis 47 specially modified to accommodate young people in remission from cancer. The sailboat was christened by Ellen MacArthur at the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes, on the Isle of Wight, before heading to the organization?s Scottish base in Largs.
Founded in 2003 by a former British sailor, the organization supports young people ages 8 to 24 after they have completed their treatment. The sailing trips help them regain confidence, become more independent, and share an experience with other young people who have been through similar situations.
A highly adapted sailboat
Although the Peter PAN is based on the standard Oceanis 47 design, its configuration has been extensively revised. No fewer than 135 modifications were made to accommodate the physical or cognitive challenges that some young people may continue to face following their treatment.
Among the main changes are the installation of additional handrails throughout the boat to make it easier to move around, a folding transom that allows boarding directly from the dock, and the relocation of the two main winches to the front of the cockpit so that crew members can more easily assist with maneuvers.
The rigging has also been modified to include a German-style mainsail sheet system, allowing the sail to be controlled from both sides of the cockpit. The Oceanis 47?s original layout, with its five cabins and spacious saloon and cockpit, was also a key factor in the selection of this boat.
Sailing as a Tool for Recovery
For Ellen MacArthur, these voyages go far beyond simply learning to sail.
" "Many young people have never met others their age who have undergone cancer treatment. Being in an environment where everyone shares this experience and can simply enjoy sailing is incredibly valuable." ," explains the British sailor.
Since its founding, the organization says it has supported more than 4,000 young people through four- or five-day trips that combine sailing and outdoor activities.
A fleet of four accessible sailboats
Peter PAN was funded thanks to the support of patron Peter A. Norrie, whose initials gave the boat its name. The project was carried out with the assistance of Ancasta Group, Beneteau?s distributor in the United Kingdom, which has been supporting the association?s sailboat conversions for several years.
With this new vessel, the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust now has four adapted sailboats, based at its facilities in Cowes, in the Solent, and Largs, on the west coast of Scotland. Peter PAN replaces the Gib'Sea 44 Moonspray, which has been in service since the Scottish base opened in 2013.
During the summer of 2026, the organization plans to welcome more than 650 young people to its sailing camps held in the United Kingdom.
