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Restoring a 76ft sailing boat, raising awareness for men’s mental health.
The Greater Man Challenge is a non-profit organisation.
In the UK the highest cause of death for men under 50 is suicide, with men accounting for nearly 80% of all suicide related deaths.
Whilst there have been great strides forward in recent years raising awareness around the topic, there is still a stigma and collective shame which prevents men from reaching out for the help they so desperately need. The consequences of which are heartbreaking for the friends, families and loved ones they leave behind.
We are a group of friends who have all experienced struggles with our mental health at different points in our lives, and have come together with our different skill sets to resurrect a sailing boat with an inspiring history that changed the lives of those who sailed on her.
The Greater Manchester Challenge is a gaff rigged ketch, designed in the 1980's and built with money raised by public donations, constructed by the Manpower Services Commission and the young people of Greater Manchester.
Over 25 years she took many young cadets to sea, before undertaking a transatlantic crossing with young skipper Paul Bew in 1992, heading up to Greenland and back across the Atlantic returning home on a journey that would take 120 days.
For the past 15 years she has been collecting dust and rust in Chatham Harbour, until now...
Having bought the boat, we are raising funds to restore her, documenting the process on YouTube and Patreon, and are filming a feature length documentary of the process from start to finish, which will be released after the trip across the Atlantic has been completed.
Amongst our number are a metalworker and carpenter, two filmmakers, a photographer and a veteran sailor.
It is our hope through fundraising, sponsorship and charitable partnerships, we can lovingly restore the boat, allowing a second maiden voyage, and an opportunity to use her to teach young people how to sail again.
Beyond that, this project is much more than restoring a boat, as we hope to discuss the themes of men's mental health, educate ourselves and inspire others to reach out for help when they need it most.
Statistically, men from lower socio-economic backgrounds are more likely to suffer the effects of poor mental health, and after we have completed the transatlantic crossing, we would like to continue taking those in need who otherwise couldn't afford it, on shorter expeditions using funds raised.
We are partnering with Tough to Talk and Andy's Man Club, two male suicide prevention charities in the UK who do amazing work with vulnerable men, and in debunking the stigma attached to the topic.
Any excess funds will be donated to help them continue the incredible work they do saving lives.
Thank you,
The Greater Man Team xxx
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 22nd April 2027 at 11:54am