THE chanting went: ''Let's go sailing. We love the sea . . . We love Adventure Ship! . . . Heart! Heart! Heart! We have a Huan's Heart!'' That first day of Easter holiday was chilly and windy. However, the spirit of the 34-member team on board Huan, the 20-year-old Chinese Adventure Ship, was high - for the group would soon embark on an exciting four-day journey into Hongkong waters for both sea training and water fun! These young adults are participants in the annual four-month training programme offered by the Adventure Ship Youth Association (ASYA).
''Our aim is to develop character, potential and leadership in young people,'' said Daniel Yau Chi-choi, ASYA's director.
At the heart of the course is the training of volunteers for Huan , as the Adventure Ship's chief aim is to give those youngsters a chance to experience sea adventure and take part in nautical activities.
''We are a charity organisation that serves mainly those between 10 and 21 years,'' said Mr Dominic Brittain, vice-chairman of the ship's board of directors. ''But our priority is handicapped, disadvantaged youths who would otherwise not have an opportunity to go sailing.
''Through the experience, we want to help them build character and self-confidence.'' At present, five full-time instructors make up the permanent ship crew. To carry out the project, they need assistance from volunteers from ASYA who have completed basic training.
Therefore each year ASYA offers a training course that includes lectures on navigation theory, volunteer work, as well as workshops in camps and a two-to four-day practical experience on board Huan, all at a minimum cost of $350 each.