When the sea is still, learning moves: a day with APNEEF at Marina Ibiza

As part of the Marina Ibiza Social and Environmental Impact Conference, we organized a day of connection with the sea with the young people of APNEEF (Association of People with Special Needs of Ibiza and Formentera). An experience designed to experience the Mediterranean through inclusion, education, and shared emotion.

Although the weather didn't allow for sailing, the day was filled with discoveries and unique moments aboard the sailboat. Far from being a limitation, the calm sea invited us to take a closer look at what usually goes unnoticed.

Participants had the opportunity to explore the boat's interior and discover its clean technology, with a special focus on the electric motor and the system that minimizes its environmental impact. Discussions included sustainability, alternative energy, and the commitment to more environmentally friendly navigation.

One of the most special moments of the day was when, thanks to a hydrophone, they were able to hear the sounds of the sea. A silence full of life, with nuances that surprised everyone: from the crash of the waves to the deep echo of the seabed. A sensorial and poetic experience that connected the young people with the sea from another place.

We also worked in a participatory way around Mediterranean marine fauna, identifying some common species, learning about their role in the ecosystem, and understanding why it is so urgent to protect this fragile environment. Through images and adapted activities, the young people became guardians of the sea for a moment.

The day also included a space to learn about safety on board, the use of life jackets, basic emergency signals, and the rules that ensure safe navigation. This was complemented by a practical introduction to sailing, where they explored the operation of the rudder, wind direction, and the logic of movement at sea.

Each of these lessons was experienced with enthusiasm, curiosity, and contagious energy. Because, beyond sailing, this day was a journey of access, participation, and collective construction of a more inclusive and conscious Mediterranean.

Thanks to Marina Ibiza for making this event possible, and to APNEEF for their trust, their joy, and their ever-open vision of discovery. At Love the Mediterranean, we believe that protecting the sea begins with bringing it closer to everyone, without barriers, without exclusions, and with the excitement of knowing we're part of it.