The following articles have appeared recently in the media.

2011-11-Cruising-Helmsman (pdf)

2011-08-Crosslight (pdf)

2011-09-Maroondah-Weekly (pdf)

MSM Plans for the Future…

Greetings and welcome!!

Medical Sailing Ministries (MSM) strives to meet the challenge of … taking medical services to where they are needed most … in our case, using what we have and know – yachts. It’s a humanitarian venture, built around showing love and compassion to those in need.

In summing up the work so far, medical volunteers from the Vanuatu Prevention of Blindness Project (VPBP) and local Vanuatu health workers were transported to 26 separate islands throughout 2009 and 2010, with more than 60 medical clinics being conducted and over 6,000 patients seen.  In all more than 4,000 pairs of glasses were dispensed and more than 300 surgical referrals made, mostly for cataracts.

It has truly been a life-changing experience, with more than 30 volunteer sailors stepping forward to assist in the transport of medical personnel and equipment to some very remote places, throughout the months of April to August.

In reflecting on our time in Vanuatu, it’s the happiness, resilience and dignity of the people that is most memorable.  Despite a lack of material possessions and the comforts of life we take for granted in the West, we experienced an overwhelming spirit of generosity and appreciation wherever we went.

Whilst we continue to assist with selected development projects in Vanuatu, there are no sailing missions planned for 2011 and 2012.  We have set this time aside for planning and maintenance aboard Chimere; the 53 foot cutter used in the program and now based in Melbourne.

We sincerely welcome your involvement and invite you to look through the videos, photos, Ship’s Log and other resources on this website to learn more of our work.  Your comments, questions and donations are always welcome.

Thank you for your interest and support.

Mike Clarke & Robert Latimer
MSM Coordinators