About us
How we started
In 2022 a group of students were asked to make a trophy for a Hampshire based recreational Fishing Competition. The collaborating companies involved talked over a concept of the students building a special boat, and FreeSpirit was born. As the project has developed Cheetah Marine has been building the boat and apprentices from Hythe Marine services will complete the full fit out with equipment from A to Z supervised by marine industry experts.
Our purpose
It is a proven fact that there are huge mental wellbeing benefits of being out on the water and the relevance to those involved. The "Let’s Build a Boat” project was conceived to provide everyone, regardless of age or ability to access the ocean for leisure, wellbeing and sustainability projects. The purpose was to create a dynamic real project, with purpose, that would have far reaching benefits, not only for learning in the construction and project management process, but also importantly benefiting a wide range of people in the local community.
What we have already done
For many years Angling Spirit have engaged with local communities, schools and people, offering boat trips as competition prizes and experiences. Seeing the mental wellbeing benefits brought to those on board, FreeSpirit will be a larger platform of this proven concept aiming to embrace the journey.
Captain for the day!
An exciting family adventure whilst at the Cardiff Cod Competition in 2023. A first time captain experience going around Cardiff Bay!
Students from Hythe Marine Services
"An amazing day out, that gave us a different perspective of where we live. I had the best day"
Crabbie's competition winner
"She's really keen to get into fishing and I'm glad she's had a chance to get out on the water today " - Greenham family after having won the 2024 Spirit OF Angling Crabbing competition celebrated with this top prize!
Bohunt Education Trust students
As part of a widening experiences programme, selected students were taken out on a charter boat organised by Angling Spirit to go fishing and later did some crabbing onshore!
'It was my first ever time fishing and I managed to catch one!!'
Fishing for rubbish
Well done to Anthony who spotted and managed to net some rubbish on his day out on the boat!
"Being on the water is a way to let your mind go and forget your problems" - Joe
"Seeing nothing around the boat fills me with a sense of relief like an escape from the modern world"
- Carla Bream
International students at HSDC
It was a collective first time for going on a boat and all had a wonderful time!
''His mood was completely calm taking in the whole experience, it was incredible to see. He still speaks about it (we loved it too!)" - Benysiri family
''—this day of simple fun was exactly what we all needed" - Charlotte with Gabriel & Valentine
"Being on the water and fishing has always been a great way to unwind and clear our minds. For both of us, it’s a way to disconnect from the stresses of daily life and focus on the calm of nature. The peace and serenity we experience when out on the water have had a positive impact on our mental well-being, and it's a perfect way to recharge."
- Greg & Kasper