The Covid-19 crisis made this year a difficult one for the Bermuda Sloop Foundation.The charity still had cause to cheer at its awards ceremony last night in Dockyard for students who excelled on its training vessel Spirit of Bermuda.Mechanical issues with the traditional Bermuda sloop also meant that 11 voyages took to Bermuda waters in 2019-20, which was less than usual.But Mario Thompson, a pilot warden at the Department of Marine and Ports, said 190 middle school students finished their five-day residential experience on board the ship.Mr Thompson delivered the roll of awards for students in voyages from November into March, when the pandemic cut the programme short.Dellwood Middle School girls Brianna Eli and Marissa-Lee Brown got trainee crew awards for keeping the group motivated during a tough voyage back from Fort St Catherine in St George’s, and RayVin Headlam was praised for “natural leadership qualities”.Dellwood student Seer Carey “took time to open up”, but showed “quiet determination”, while Joshua Fleming’s focus helped him learn skills to teach others.Whitney Institute student J’auri Talbot excelled as “a driver of his own growth”, and Amaya Smith “demonstrated her quest for knowledge”.Katherine Bean-Rosario of Dellwood sailed with the Whitney Institute students, where she was “engaged and motivated”.Ryan Pimentel, of Whitney, was awarded as “an excellent helmsman with an impressive focus”, while Miguel Falco was called “the ace of initiative” and Jonah Trott was “a true contributor in operating the Spirit”.Of the Sandys Secondary Middle School female students, Ava Chow-Blyden was “respected and liked” as a leader, Keira Haak “easily communicated the truth” as a leader, and A’Maya DeRosa took on her challenge with “courage and determination”.Clearwater Middle School student Shenice Maylor was an “all-star” helmsman, while Skye Charles was “patient and curious” from her first day.Chance Eve, a Sandys Secondary Middle School student, was praised for rising to junior watch leader, while the girls took the “most spirited voyage” award for their high achievement in the February journey.Teachers also won awards: Elizabeth Browne from Whitney Institute and Michaela Eberley from Sandys Secondary Middle School won recognition for their support and initiative.Tina Stovell was commended as volunteer of the year — and the 2019 Adam Goodwin Scholarship Award went to Lamar Samuels.