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Join a sailing adventure on a Tall Ship and set course for new horizons!

Belfast (GB) - Alesund (NO)

04 July - 17 July 2015

13 days, Black Diamond of Durham

From € 870,-

Book this journey

Tall Ships Races

> 25 years : € 870,-

Book this journey

Black Diamond of Durham:
Belfast (GB) - Alesund (NO)

04 July - 17 July 2015

Join the Black Diamond of Durham and her crew for the experience of a lifetime, for the first leg of the Tall Ships Races 2015. Journey from Belfast to Aalesund and make new friends with trainees from all over the world as you sail the Ship as fast as you can. Spectacular vistas and the everchanging North Sea await as you experience the adventure of the biggest sail race of the year. Learn the ropes, cross the finish line and enjoy a Journey you will never forget! In Aalesund you will be welcomed with an epic crew party, where you will trade war stories with the trainees of other ships. Open for 16-25 years (25+ at request).

Programme Outline

Join the Black Diamond of Durham on a 10 day sailing Journey between the Northern Irish city of Belfast and the Norwegian Fjord town of Aalesund. On this voyage, not only will you sail through fairy tale-like landscapes, but you will have the opportunity to be actively involved in the year’s most important Tall Ship Festivals in Belfast and Aalesund as you compete in the first leg of the Tall Ships’ Races 2015 together with the crew of the magnificent Black Diamond of Durham.

Before and after the race, you will find yourself in the bustle of the harbour festivities. A great opportunity to make new friends and explore new cities. Both Belfast and Alesund are brilliant towns! Once in Aalesund you will be celebrating together with the other crews and trainees in the Crew Parade and Crew Parties. And if you arrive with time to spare, you'll likely end up at a beach barbeque or an improvised ship's party.

Ports

Belfast is the capital and the largest city of Northern Ireland. It started out as a small hamlet with fertile land along the mouth of the Lagan. Soon, marauders and pirates realised Belfast’s lough was deep and their shores were the perfect haven for repairing sea ravaged ships. Today Belfast is a wonderful city to explore! Visit the Titanic quarter waterfront, the Ulster Museum, or the Odyssey area where you'll find lots of entertainment. And spend some time in one of Belfast's many pubs.

Ålesund is once again host port for The Tall Ships Races in 2015. Ålesund harboured the event for the first time in 2001, in an intimate harbour amongst beautiful fjords, mountains and islands. Consisting out of seven islands, Ålesund is a modern city. In 1904 the city, once built largely of wood, was completely burned down by a sea of flames. After a period of planning, the town was rebuilt in stone, brick, and mortar in Jugendstil.

Key points

  • Dates: 4 July 2015 - 17 July 2015
  • Embarkation: 17:00 / Disembarkation: 10:00
  • For Windseekers of all ages, minimum age 16 years
  • Windseekers joining: maximum of 10
  • No sailing experience required!
  • Official language on board: English
  • Price includes: accommodation and meals, excludes drinks at the bar
  • Price excludes transportation costs to-and from the ports. Our travel counsellor can advise you and book your transfers
  • One-off registration fee €25
  • Windseekers need to have a health insurance and a travel insurance
  • Need to take with you on board: sleeping bag, pillowcase, sheets and towels
  • Contact your fellow-Windseekers via Windseeker facebook

  • "It was cozy and comfortable, but hard work and exciting."

    Keshan (17), UK

You sail on the Black Diamond of Durham

Shipping type: Sloop
Homeport: Hartlepool (UK)
Date built: 1972
Trainees: 9
Length: 13,5m
Height of mast: 20 m
Sail:

Black Diamond of Durham is a 10 berth, 45 foot (13,5m) Bowman Corsair Ocean Racer, extremely suitable for Sail Training. Black Diamond will take you anywhere in the world. The vessel has competed in Tall Ships Races every year since …

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