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Current Rehab Work

Currently, we are developing our work with Phoenix Futures, a UK-wide rehab organisation.

This grew out of personal contact with Stuart, formerly a client and now a Manager at Phoenix Alpha in Southampton.

Today Stu describes his own early experiences afloat as a recovering addict as truly life-changing. To look at his journey and his achievements since then certainly confirms this.

We have done an annual sailing voyage with Phoenix clients for the last 2 years, and there will be a third voyage this September.

The outcomes of these trips have been excellent at the 'feedback' level, but we also suspect a stronger and more lasting effect.

Of the 20 rehab people who have sailed so far, we believe that about 80% remain clean after in some cases 15 months. This is seen as a markedly better outcome that the more usual 20%. Though we can't yet be sure, it might just confirm everyone's gut feeling that this kind of adventure sailing really makes a difference. See also research.

A Rehab Voyage Report

One of the objectives of the TECTONA TRUST is to bring the benefits of adventure sailing to people with mental health or rehab problems.

Based on research evidence and personal experience, this is something that can really make a difference.

Roger worked with Stuart Plant from Phoenix Alpha, a residential community in Hampshire, to set up a programme for groups of their clients.

In September 2009 Tectona hosted the first "rehab cruise".

The weather was kind to us and once the new crew were settled in, we put to sea on the Sunday evening in light conditions. However, we were barely clear of the harbour when the engine overheated. A circulating pump had failed, so we had to change our plans. Luckily there was just enough breeze for a very pleasant sail back up the Sound and into the Cattewater with some interesting pilotage after dark. In the morning, with the unstinting help of Gavin (Mount Batten Boathouse Ltd) the pump was repaired and we were back on track.

As dusk fell we were heading off across the Channel and by 0300 were dodging the heavy traffic in the shipping lanes. Morning brought us up with Les Hanois light off the NW tip of Guernsey and by tea-time we had weathered the southern tip of Sark and come to anchor in Dixcart Bay.

The return trip to the Solent proved just as benign, and the 5th day found us alongside in Cowes.

People had said, "You must be crazy, going to sea with a group of people in rehab!" but I can honestly say that it was one of the most enjoyable trips I have ever made. For good company, crazy humour, and willingness to get stuck in, it would be hard to find better shipmates than Phoenix Alpha!

We are planning further trips this year, and hope to extend this work with local clients in the future.