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

Fredrikstad (NO) - Bergen (NO)

13 July - 23 July 2019

10 days, Gulden Leeuw

From € 997,5

Book this journey

International Exchange Tall Ships Races Sail Training

15-25 : € 997,5
26-28: € 1155,-

Book this journey

Gulden Leeuw:
Fredrikstad (NO) - Bergen (NO)

13 July - 23 July 2019

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Tall Ships Races: Cruise in Company – International Exchange for all nationalities aged 15-25. Joining the Gulden Leeuw in Fredrikstad, you will find yourself among many young people like yourself, who like adventures and active holidays. With the guidance of the experienced crew, you will sail the Tall Ship to Bergen, admiring famously beautiful Norwegian coastline, while the mentors will arrange fun and educational activities and make sure that everyone feels great on board! For Windseekers age 15-25 years only. Places for trainees aged 26-28 years at request.

Programme Outline

Once again in 2019 the Tall Ships from all over the world will come together to compete in the 63rd annual Tall Ships Races. The Cruise in Company is a more laid-back leg of the event, where speed doesn’t matter so much and you will have the time to enjoy the leisurely sailing. This year you will explore the stunning Norwegian coast on the way from Fredrikstad to Bergen. Take in the surroundings and enjoy sailing with your fellow trainees before joining the port events.

As a Windseeker you will be a trainee on board the Gulden Leeuw. Under the watchful eye of professional crew members you will be responsible for sailing the Ship from setting and trimming the sails, through looking out for other vessels, to navigating and steering. You will have day and night watches, and also some time to relax and enjoy the journey!

Windseekers know no borders! 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. With many nationalities on board you will enjoy national dinner parties, debates, games to bridge the cultural differences. Aside from the professional sailing Crew, during International Exchanges the mentors will organize your activities and be there for you if you need someone to talk to.

You will be divided into watches and work on the Ship in shifts of 4 hours on, 8 hours off. That means two watches per day: one in daytime and one in the night, as the Ship doesn’t stop sailing when it gets dark! Don’t worry, your sleep pattern will soon adjust. The language on board will be English – simple English. Most of your activities will be carried out as a team. By the time you reach the destination port you will be like a family. Warning: it’s not easy to say goodbye!

Ports

100 km south of Oslo, Fredrikstad is a coastal town, on the East side of the Oslofjord. Fredrikstad has a mix of old and new - The 'Gamlebyen' Old Town is a well-preserved star fort, across the water from the modern waterfront. Visitors can also visit the 16th-century Kongsten fort, or Scandinavia's largest model railway. Fredrikstad will be a host port for the Tall Ship Races 2019.

Bergen is the gateway to the Fjords of Norway and a well-established cruise port. It's an international city packed with history and tradition, a big city with small-town charm and atmosphere. Stroll around old streets and alleyways, and mingle with the crowds at the Fish Market. Saunter along the listed wooden buildings at Bryggen to the old fortress at Bergenhus, or call in at one of Bergen’s museums and galleries. The panoramic views of the city, the fjord and the ocean are breathtaking.

  • Fredrikstad (NO)

  • Bergen (NO)

Sponsorship and costs

The youngster price (age 15-25) will be € 997.50 instead of the normal price of € 1,155.

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: 13 July 2019 - 23 July 2019
  • Embarkation: 18:30 / Disembarkation: 10:00
  • For Windseekers 15-25 years, age 26-28 at request
  • Windseekers joining: maximum 60
  • No sailing experience required!
  • Official language on board: English
  • Price includes: accommodation and meals, excludes drinks at the bar
  • Windseekers need to have a health insurance and a travel insurance
  • Need to take with you on board: sleeping bags and towels
  • French Windseekers need to become member of Les Amis des Grands Voiliers
  • "As crew, there is nothing better then standing back and seeing the trainees do all the work - and do it perfectly!"

    Jet (31), Netherlands

You sail on the Gulden Leeuw

Shipping type: Topsail Schooner
Homeport: Kampen (NL)
Date built: 1937
Trainees: 60
Length: 70,1 m
Height of mast: 40 m
Sail: 1500 m2

The Gulden Leeuw is a three-masted topsail schooner, which means that you can climb the 40-metre mast to unpack the square sails. That’s approximately 12 stories high! But do not worry, you can start with the lowest yard. With 1500 …

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