Atyla needs your help! Galley Refit

Atyla training ship is in real need of a galley upgrade to continue feeding her crew and trainees delicious, nutritious meals all year round. 



Atyla is a dedicated sail training vessel, funded solely by donations, voyage fees and volunteers.

I have had the pleasure of working with the foundation as a winter maintenance volunteer, volunteer cook and also as a member of the permanent crew during the sailing season, since January 2017.

The project started 4 years ago, from scratch and with no money. But Atylas story starts much earlier. In the early 90s a man with a dream to circumnavigate the world decided to build his own ship and do just that. Unfortunately, sponsors dropped out and it never came to pass, but his nephew Rodrigo took over the reins and started this project to become a sail training vessel and hopefully, in the future complete his uncles dream. The project continues to grow, and its success is a reflection of how the project is run. The values, the ideals, the people and the mantra of 'mi casa es tu casa'.



This is not a wealthy ship that is run for profit. It is an alternative educational platform that encourages empathy and responsibility as well as developing practical sailing and maintenance skills. The trainees that come on board, often a bit nervous at the start, generally leave us with increased confidence after a time spent learning the ropes, living in a small space with 23 others, helping each other and participating in our unique coaching sessions dedicated to emotional intelligence, and other soft skills that although vital to a happy and successful life don't always get taught
and developed in mainstream education. 

Cooking for 24 people with different dietary requirements this season has sometimes been a challenge, so I would love for us to have the necessary equipment to make it easier! 



The main challenge has been fridge and freezer space, along with  efficient water management, garbage storage and disposal.

If we can store more, we can buy in bulk and take advantage of special offers and discounts. This means we can spend less and the savings can go straight back in to keep the project running. 

If we can compost our organic waste we dispose of it more easily and in a environmentally friendly manner, in part as compost for our herb garden! 
We can minimise the amount of water we use, while keeping things in the galley hygienic by having a steriliser for the dishes. We already have a watermaker, generously donated to us by EcoSistems, which helps make us more independent and less reliant on marinas. The savings we make by spending more time at anchor increases our resources to teach practical sailing & maintenance skills aswell as critical soft skills needed to thrive now and in the future.



I have personally seen the amazing effects this project has on the trainees that have been on board with us this year. The improved self confidence and communication skills, the conscious consideration and respect for others. 



In a world where we are often over protected and regulated the sea is a great equaliser where everyone can grow
and learn to respect the environment and each other, take responsibility for their actions, become more self sufficient whilst at the same time embracing what real team work means with real time consequences.

The money is for equipment and materials only. The work will be carried out by our winter volunteers, some of who are professionals who we have roped in to give up their time and effort to help us make the new galley a reality! So if you can't donate towards our galley you could consider joining us a winter volunteer.



We will reuse as many materials as possible, and sell, part exchange or swap anything we possibly can.

Anything we can't reuse, recycle or otherwise dispose of will be given away locally to anyone who needs it or can make use out of it.

The main purchases are the panels and compressors for the built in fridge and freezer. Our wonderful engineer, Merlin, will volunteer his time during our winter season, (and traditionally his holiday time) to build them and make sure they are adequate for our needs. 

A steriliser for the dishes, a composter and a trash compactor are the other large purchases. 
Besides the above we need a new double sink and drainer, recycle bins, an extractor fan, some materials and some miscellaneous bits and pieces. 

All funds will be accounted for and any excess would go directly to our scholarship programme to fund trainees who do not have the financial wherewithal to fund themselves

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and thanks in advance for any amount, no matter if large or small.
If you are volunteering or just sharing this, then thank you for that too! 

Gratefully yours,
Charlotte