New Beneteau Oceanis 47 Launched

“Magic will be created” for thousands of young people living through and beyond cancer after the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust recently launched its new specially adapted yacht.

The brand-new Beneteau Oceanis 47, Peter PAN, was officially named by Dame Ellen MacArthur at a special event hosted by the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes, Isle of Wight, and was made possible thanks to the generosity of long-term supporter Peter A. Norrie (PAN).

The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust inspires young people aged 8-24 to believe in a brighter future after the trauma of cancer treatment. For many young people, picking up where they left off before their diagnosis just isn’t possible. That’s why when treatment ends, the charity’s work begins.

Peter has always been inspired by the creator of Peter Pan, J. M. Barrie, who gifted all his royalties to the Great Ormond Street Hospital for children. Peter has similarly supported the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust over many years and has been inspired by Ellen’s own ambition and drive to support the young cancer survivors’ journey back to normal life.

“I hope the young cancer survivors who sail on Peter PAN have fun, laughter and the real enjoyment young people get from sailing. Hopefully these four and five days trips the Trust organises have real impact that gives all the young survivors the belief that they indeed can move forward, achieve so much with their lives and put this dreadful disease truly behind them.” – Peter A. Norrie (PAN)

“Many young people often have not been around other young people going through treatment for cancer or really had a chance to talk about what they have been through. So, to go into a different environment, where everybody is quite literally in the same boat, where everybody has a shared experience, and can just have fun together and reconnect with their future is very, very precious. We call it the magic. This magic happens on our trips, and it’s something we have seen time and time again in the 4,000 young people we have supported over the 23 years of the Cancer Trust. We cannot thank Peter enough for making Peter PAN possible for even more young people who need us.” – Dame Ellen MacArthur.

Special Adaptations

Peter PAN was brought to the water in partnership with Ancasta Group, Europe’s largest yacht broker, and globally renowned boatbuilders Beneteau.

This newly commissioned Beneteau Oceanis 47 features 135 adaptations designed to make support from the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust more accessible to young people, many of whom experience significant and enduring physical and/or cognitive impacts following cancer treatment.

These adaptations carried out by Ancasta’s in-house technicians include additional handrails added throughout to help with mobility and steadiness, a fold-down transom so young people can step directly off the pontoon onto the boat, the two primary winches being moved forwards so young people can get fully hands-on in sailing the boat and a German mainsheet set-up so sails can be controlled from both sides. The boat also has five cabins and a more spacious cockpit and saloon layout as part of its standard design.

“We’re incredibly proud to play a part in the amazing work the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust does in helping young people rebuild their confidence, independence and optimism after treatment for cancer. These boats are so much more than yachts, they’re a place where young people can laugh again, make new friendships and create memories that help move them forward. Knowing we’ve played a part in making that happen is a privilege.” – James Douch, Beneteau Sail Brand Manager at Ancasta

Second EMCT vessel in Scotland

Peter PAN will now sail to her new home at the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust’s base in Largs, on Scotland’s west coast, which will double the accessible support available on the water there. This will mean the charity now has four specially adapted yachts – all funded through the generosity of partners and funders and adapted in partnership with the Ancasta Group – two in each of its bases in Cowes and Largs.

Peter PAN will replace the Gibsea 44, Moonspray, which has been pivotal to the support delivered from the Scottish base since it opened in 2013.

“Peter PAN is the fourth vessel we have commissioned with Ancasta and Beneteau and it’s so wonderful to see her on the water thanks to Peter’s incredible generosity. This is the perfect boat to take young people in recovery from cancer sailing to help them believe in a brighter future. Working with the team at Ancasta, who care so much about the smallest detail to make these vessels as great as they are for what we do, is amazing.” – Frank Fletcher, Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust CEO

The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust was founded by the history-making yachtswoman in 2003. This summer more than 650 young people are set to benefit from the charity’s magic sailing and outdoor adventures across the UK.

For more information visit ellenmacarthurcancertrust.org or follow @emctrust across social media.