The Tall Ships Races is the biggest annual sailing race of the year. The 2017 edition will be the 61st event and is scheduled to take place on the Baltic Sea, in 5 ports in 4 different countries. Join Race 1 from Sweden to Finland. Take part in opening celebrations, meet your fellow trainees, then wave goodbye to spectators on land and set course across the Baltic Sea. Expect a warm welcome in Kotka, with Crew Parties, parades and many other activities.

As a Windseeker Trainee on board Vega Gamleby you will be a part of the crew, meaning you will take an active part is sailing the Ship. You’ll be hoisting sails, steering, climbing the masts (voluntarily), practicing seamanship skills and learning the art of navigation, guided by the professional crew. And you will sail to win the race!

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.