Vega Gamleby: Esbjerg (DK) - Stavanger (NO)

International Exchange Tall Ships Races Sail Training

15-25: € 810,-
25+: € 1035,-

Book this journey

20 July - 28 July 2018

International Exchange. The Tall Ships Races 2018 – Cruise in Company. Every year a “Cruise in Company” leg is part of The Tall Ships Races. This leg is not a competitive event, but a cruise of friendship and adventure, giving the ships a choice of alternative sailing routes. Join the Vega International Exchange to meet young people from different countries. In Stavanger you can join the activities organised for all and the crewparade and crewparty. On board you participate in the daily working of the ship alongside professional seamen: standing lookout, manning the helm, helping in the galley, hoisting sail and voluntarily have the chance to climb the rigging/mast. Open for all Windseekers age 15 years and older.

Programme Outline

The Tall Ships Races is the biggest annual sailing race of the year. The 2018 edition will be the 62nd event and is scheduled to take place on the North Sea, in 4 ports in 4 different countries. Join the Cruise in Company leg from Denmark to Norway. Take part in opening celebrations, meet your fellow trainees, and then wave goodbye to spectators on land and set course across the sea. Expect a warm welcome in Stavanger, with the Crew Party, the parade and many other activities.

As a Windseeker Trainee on board Vega Gamleby you will be a part of the crew, meaning you will join your peers on watches day and night, and take active part in the life on the ship. You’ll be hoisting sails, steering the ship, practicing seamanship skills and learning the art of navigation, guided by the professional crew.

By entering the International Exchange program not only will you sail the high seas with your peers but you will also learn about other cultures and customs. With many nationalities on board you will enjoy cultural dinner parties, debates and games to bridge the cultural differences. Aside from the professional sailing Crew, during International Exchanges there are mentors on board to help you adjust to the life on a Ship and organize the additional activities.

The Ship doesn’t stop when the night comes, that means that you will be working day and night to reach your destination! You will be divided into watches and work in shifts of 4 hours on, 8 hours off. That means two watches per day: one in daytime and one in the night. Don’t worry, your sleep pattern will soon adjust. You will stand lookout, navigate, man the helm, cook and clean – and you do it all as a team. By the time you reach the destination port you will be like a family.

Ports

Esbjerg is a beautiful coastal city in the South-West of Denmark, with the second biggest harbour in Denmark - a lively place full of fishing and shipping activities. You can observe the town's maritime history in its attractions: from the Fisheries- and Maritime Museum, Esbjerg Skibet statue to the Men at Sea monument, everything brings you back to the sea. Visit also the Ribe Vikinge Center, a fun outdoor museum where you will meet the Vikings themselves!

Stavanger is a modern port, but retains a small historic district. The lovely old harbour is a favourite stopover for big cruiseships that tower over the buildings. The city has a lively cultural scene, and is surrounded by numerous outdoor destinations well worth a visit. Explore the narrow, rocky Lysefjord and the mountains Preikestolen and Kjerag, or relax on Jæren's beaches. Make sure to bring hiking boots, as the mountains stand over 1000 meters tall.

Esbjerg (DK)
Stavanger (NO)

Sponsorship and costs

The youngster price (age 15-25) will be € 810 instead of the normal price of € 1,035.

If you have not sailed in Tall Ships Races before, and your age is between 15-25, please contact us for fundraising possibilities and bursaries: info@windseeker.org

Key points

Dates: 20 July 2018 - 28 July 2018
Embarkation: 17:00 / Disembarkation: 9:00
For Windseekers of all ages, minimum age 15 years
Windseekers joining: maximum of 36
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
Windseekers need to have a health insurance and a travel insurance
Need to take with you on board: sleeping bag, pillowcase, sheets and towels

"Super great experience, I recommend it to everyone. I loved it!!! Everything was perfect."

Michael (17), Belgium

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Shipping type: Topsail Schooner

Homeport: Gamleby

Date built: 1909

Trainees: 36

Length: 30,5m

Height of mast: 27m

Sail: 650 m2

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