Created: Jul 06, 2026 07:56 AM (Updated: Jul 06, 2026 08:52 AM)
Geovanni Hayward (Photograph by Akil Simmons)
A young Bermudian who faced mental health challenges is capitalising on his determination to overcome them by establishing a sailing charity.
Geovanni Hayward also said an opportunity to spend time with King Charles during the monarch’s recent visit to Bermuda was a major boost to his recovery from a mental health dilemma.
Mr Hayward, 27, said since childhood he faced mental health challenges, a situation that ultimately forced him to drop out of high school.
He said: “It was challenging. I was suffering from depression and had anxiety problems all the time. At one point I was suicidal, I was at my lowest.
“I struggled with regulating my emotions and basically my childhood was not the best.”
He said things went further downhill when he “got into the wrong crowd” as a teenager which led to him eventually dropping out of school.
When his best friend died, the situation deteriorated further but Mr Hayward said his decision to follow his passion for sailing at age 16 proved helpful.
He enrolled in the Endeavour sailing programme and at 18, got a job with the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club as a sailing coach.
“That helped me a lot because things became more stable, but I was still facing depression,” he said.
Over the years he tried to address his mental health challenges, but wasn’t fully prepared to seek treatment.
Things changed last October when he decided to face his fears and enrol in a programme at Dignity House, a rehabilitation facility in Pembroke that helps people with mental health disorders.
“I have tried other avenues in the past but they were never really helpful until I decided to visit Dignity House,” he said.
My Hayward enrolled in the facility’s Dialectical Behaviour Therapy programme.
Geovanni Hayward has a passion for sailing (Photograph by Akil Simmons)
The intensive regimen — which he completed over a two-month period — teaches participants skills to manage intense emotions, deal with challenging situations and improve relationships.
“It taught me how to cope,” he reflected.
Nicholas Darceuil, a founder of Dignity House, said the facility is community based, providing “easy access” for Mr Hayward.
Mr Darceuil explained: “Persons out in the community don’t want to go to an institution, they want to go to a place where they can get help where it is not a hospital setting.
“We were flexible and offered a variety of treatment that worked for Geovanni. The DBT programme which we specialise in helped him to accept the problems he faced and then to change.”
While at Dignity House, Mr Hayward said once the treatment became effective, he decided to capitalise on his knowledge of sailing.
He said: “I decided to start a charity. I know sailing is not accessible to everyone, but I thought it would be a good way to introduce young people to sailing.”
The charity, Prodigy Sailing Foundation, was officially launched in January.
Its aim is to lower barriers for young people by embedding programmes in local clubs and sharing resources, while welcoming curiosity and confidence.
Plans are afoot to expand the charity’s programmes. Last weekend it hosted a community event to raise awareness of its mandate.
Geovanni Hayward with the King Charles and Andrew Murdoch, the Governor during the King’s visit in May (Photograph supplied)
Mr Hayward said through his role at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, where he still works as a sailing coach, he received a major surprise in May when he was asked to accompany the King and his entourage in Bermuda.
Mr Hayward said: “It was an amazing experience. We talked for about half-hour on the boat and it was mainly me telling him about our heritage of sailing. It was definitely something I never thought I would have to do.”
He said he discussed the benefits of sailing with the monarch and how it allows young people to grow into the sport over time.
Geovanni Hayward chats with King Charles III during the monarch’s recent visit to the island (Photograph supplied)
The conversation also touched on Bermuda’s maritime culture as well as why Somerset is referred to as “up the country” and St George’s as “down the country”.
He also shared the work the charity is doing to break down barriers that hinder young sailors from progressing. Mr Hayward said it was encouraging to hear of the King’s support.
• For more information about GeovanniHayward’s charity, visit www.prodigy.bm
