People’s Choice Award 2025 Silver Longform Under £500,000
In His Slipstream is about a family's journey from England to France in memory of Laury – their son, brother, cousin, nephew – who was as passionate about sailing as he was compassionate towards people and planet. In the summer of 2022, this bereaved family of a young sailor crossed the channel under sail as complete novices, embarking on a journey through grief, a journey of reflection and togetherness.
“In this moving documentary we are taken on an inspiring journey alongside a family as they struggle with grief after the tragic loss of a son, brother, nephew, cousin and friend. As they sail across the English channel, we witness the consequences and impact that mental health issues have not only for the people who struggle with them, but for all of their surrounding family and community. We are inspired and profoundly moved to see how this heartbreaking loss is transformed into a powerful project, Blue Spirit, designed to help people in their times of need, where through sailing they can learn to deal with these challenges and find ways to regain their health and wellbeing. This story showed me the importance of helping others and learning to see when other people need our help the most, through understanding, kindness, and compassion.” Miranda Wild
In his Slipstream is a short film made by Blue Spirit, in conjunction with Joanna Duchesne and her team from JD Works Productions Ltd.
Blue Spirit enables young people (aged 14 to 25) who are experiencing a mental health challenge or facing social / economic disadvantage to go sailing.
We work in partnership with organisations in the North-East of England which offer sailing experiences to young people. These organisations have a wealth of experience in providing safe and exhilarating sailing experiences to a wide range of people.
We also partner with community groups and charities who are well-placed to identify and refer young people who would benefit from this kind of experience. This fund is not limited to people suffering from mental health issues, but is for any young person who would not normally be able to access this kind of experience and who would benefit from enhanced wellbeing, gaining self-confidence or an opportunity to have time for themselves in nature.
Research has shown that just being in blue spaces (like the sea) can have a positive effect on stress reduction and wellbeing. Sailing itself also has multiple benefits. Learning to sail helps develop essential life skills.
We believe all struggling young people deserve opportunities like this, which is why we offer subsidised sailing experiences to those who would otherwise be unable to access them.
We align with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals:
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