Specially adapted Beneteau yacht joins Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust fleet

The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust launched its latest specially adapted yacht – a Beneteau Oceanis 47 named Peter PAN.

The yacht was officially named by Dame Ellen MacArthur at the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes, Isle of Wight. The yacht has been made possible thanks to the generosity of long-term supporter, Peter A. Norrie (PAN).

The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust helps 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 PAN features 135 adaptations designed to make the vessel more accessible to young people, many of whom experience significant and enduring physical and/or cognitive impacts following cancer treatment.

Adapted ability sailing yacht

The new yacht’s onboard adaptations 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 features five cabins, and a more spacious cockpit and saloon layout as part of its standard design.

“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,” says MacArthur. “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.”

She continues: “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.”

Norrie says: “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-day 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.”

Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust sail boats

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

The yacht will now sail to its new home berth at the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust’s base in Largs, on Scotland’s west coast.

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.

Frank Fletcher, Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust CEO, says: “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.”

James Douch, Beneteau sail brand manager at Ancasta, adds: “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.”

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

The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust was founded by the history-making sailor 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.