After a stay of nearly 5 months at Yacht Port Cartagena, Elida V just left the docks of the international marina bound for a new tour on the Mediterranean, Atlantic and Baltic Sea. During the 5 past months – the boat spends winters in Cartagena every year- maintenance work and general overhaul of the vessel has been done. In addition the two masts have been dismasted and reviewed. As a curious note is to be mentioned that the top of the mast of the ketch is 45 meters height on deck and the boat is 40 meters long.
A full day of work was needed to dismast said mast. The Elida V belongs to a Swedish organization, founded in 1963, whose motto is “Sailing for Jesus”, open to all Christians, regardless the church they belong. This organization is for young people with social adjustment problems. A stay on a boat like this one of the best ways of reintegration. “It is not the first case a young person has decided to become a mariner”‘ says Stefan Abrahamsson, son of the founder and current director of the organization. “Here they find a home and affection, something which has been missing their lives. It is wonderful to see the change that occurs in them in such a short time. People who come on the boat leave it as another person.
We maintain the relationship with some of them for many years. Some come back one day for a visit or simply get in touch with us again after some time, “adds Stefan. In the summer months Elida V cruises the west coast of Sweden, which is well known and well received and welcomed. On its website www.elida.se is available to those who are interested both in the history of the organization and in the yacht.There are beautiful photos as well as texts describing their travels and activities. The crew ofElida V has departed and bidden farewell to the staff of the Yacht Port. They promised that if God wills, they will return next October. The Port Yacht wished them in the meanwhile ‘sail downwind, calm seas and clear stars’.