A week that connects: A look back at the K4F sailing week 2026
From July 11th to 18th, 2026, the Kids for Freedom Sailing Week took place once again. Children from Austria 🇦🇹, Germany 🇩🇪, Romania 🇷🇴, Russia 🇷🇺, Ukraine 🇺🇦, and Turkey 🇹🇷 came together on board our sailboats to experience a week that was far more than just a sailing trip: a week of getting to know one another, growing closer, and forging friendships – regardless of origin, language, or the political realities that exist between the children’s home countries.
Day 1 – Arrival and First Hours Together
On Saturday, July 11th, the day finally arrived: The children arrived from their respective countries and received a warm welcome. After arriving, they went straight on board. The sailboats were occupied, bunks assigned, and first friendships formed. The provisions for the coming week were also organized and distributed among the boats, so everything was ready for their time together on the water. The children ended the evening with a shared dinner and a lively disco. For many, it was the first moment when strangers slowly became new friends. Even on this first evening, it was clear what Kids for Freedom is all about year after year: children from completely different cultures and walks of life come together, get to know each other, and grow into a true community over the course of the week. International understanding is truly lived here.
Day 2 – On the Water and the First Shared Sounds
On Sunday, after breakfast, the fleet set off towards Göbün Bay. En route, there was a welcome swimming stop in the crystal-clear sea, where the children could cool off in the summery temperatures. Upon arriving in Göbün, an important event of the week began: the first rehearsal of the Kids for Freedom song, which would accompany the group throughout the week. Between the first attempts at singing together, there was, of course, plenty of dancing. The day ended with a relaxed dinner together. A day full of sun, water, and the first shared notes, which already hinted at how quickly a community can form from many different nations.
Day 3 – Circle Rafting, Art, and Dance Training
Monday began with one of the highlights of the week: a circle raft trip in the middle of the sea, where all the boats were tied together and the children jumped into the cool water together. Afterward, the trip continued to Ekincik Bay, where two cherished traditions were observed. First, a stone was painted together – a small but meaningful ritual that serves as a reminder of the sailing week each year. Second, intensive work was done on the international dance, which was to be presented at the closing celebration. The professional choreography was made possible by the wonderful support of the Tombao Dance Studio and the dancer Ella, who taught the children the steps with great patience and energy. Special thanks also go to Ahmet, the Harbour Master of Ekincik, and Doghan, the Muhtar and owner of the Inceler Restaurant, for their incredibly warm hospitality. It was a day full of activity, creativity, and new friendships.
Day 4 – The Legendary Dinghy Race
Tuesday was all about team spirit and sporting competition: the now legendary Dinghy Race. The crews formed teams, some spanning multiple countries, and had to work together – from the moment the dinghy was launched into the water until rounding a buoy and returning to the beach. It was an afternoon full of effort, laughter, and mutual encouragement, during which the children impressively demonstrated how well they function as a team across language barriers. In the evening, the fastest team was ceremoniously awarded a trophy.
Day 5 – Departure, Workshops, and Rehearsal
On Wednesday, the sails were hoisted, and the fleet continued sailing to Sarsala Bay. A heartfelt thank you goes to Sezgin for the warm welcome. Upon arriving in Sarsala Bay, the children were treated to another diverse day filled with creative and artistic workshops. The rehearsal for the Kids for Freedom song was particularly exciting. At that moment, it became clear how much the group had grown together over the course of the week. From many individual voices that had tentatively sung the first notes on Sunday, a powerful, unified song had emerged – a beautiful symbol of the entire week.
Day 6 – The Grand Closing Celebration
The week culminated in the closing celebration back in Boynuzbükü Bay. After a festive dinner together, the moment everyone had been waiting for finally arrived: The children proudly presented the dance performance they had rehearsed throughout the week – the result of hard work, patience, and even more fun. Following this, as has become tradition, everyone sang the Kids for Freedom song together in many languages – a moving moment that perfectly encapsulated the entire week. Each child received a medal and a goodie bag as a memento. A very special thank you goes to our wonderful supporters, without whom this week would not have been possible: Kahve Dünyası, South West, Asmira Yachting, Miber Sailing, Most Sailing, TYC Yachting, Anka Yachting, Derya Yachting, Solar Yachting, and Mango Yachting.
At the final disco, everyone celebrated one last time before the children signed each other’s T-shirts. This is how lasting memories of a wonderful time together were created.
A lasting conclusion
It was another wonderful week – a week full of sunshine, water, new friendships, and unforgettable moments. A week that impressively demonstrated how quickly a true community can emerge from children of diverse nationalities, languages, and life stories. This experience will resonate in the hearts of the children – and in our own – for a long time to come.
At this point, we would like to let the Romanian children’s coordinator speak for herself, who described her impressions of the week:
Thank you, Kids for Freedom! ❤️ Some journeys become unforgettable not because of the places we visit, but because of the people we meet, the friendships we build, and the memories we create together. This short video shows our journey through our own eyes – the laughter, the adventures, the challenges, and the moments that brought us closer together. Thank you to the entire Kids for Freedom family for this amazing opportunity, for your kindness, and for making us feel part of something truly special. We will carry these memories with us forever. 💙
All of this was made possible only through the support of our generous donors and our local partner businesses. We extend our deepest gratitude to all of them. Year after year, they enable children to experience a week that will enrich their lives in a lasting way.
