Vega Gamleby: Halmstad (SE) - Kotka (FI)

International Exchange Tall Ships Races Sail Training

15-25: € 1330,-
>25: € 1680,-

Book this journey

02 July - 15 July 2017

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LAST MINUTE PRICE AFTER 26 OF JUNE: 20% DISCOUNT AT THE MENTIONED BOARDPRICE. Tall Ships Races 2017 – Race 1. Youthvoyage. Join the Vega in the first race of the Tall Ships Races 2017 and sail across the Baltic from Sweden to Finland. Become a Trainee in one of the biggest annual sailing events, with over 70 vessels racing to be the first to cross the finish line. Enjoy the port festivals with trainees from many different countries and make lasting friendships and lifetime memories.Open for trainees age 15-25 years, age 25-28 at request.

Programme Outline

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.

Ports

Halmstad is situated on the Swedish west coast, along the Nissan River. The city is famous for its fortress, built by the Danish King Christian IV at the end of the 16th century. A walk around town will reveal much of the city’s rich history and culture, and the cobbled streets in the city centre are dotted with cafes and pubs. Outdoors there’s plenty to do as well, with the nearby Mollegard Nature Reserve well worth a visit. Halmstad offers plenty to soothe your adventure jitters.

Kotka is located in the gulf of Finland and is a major Finnish port on the Baltic Sea. You can experience its long maritime traditions by visiting the Maritime Centre Vellamo with the world's oldest ice-breaker, and if you have more time, stop by the aquarium with a big exhibition of local, baltic sealife - maybe you will even get to see the feeding done by a diver! Climbe the Haukkavuori tower for a view of the town and seaside and take a refreshing stroll through the Sapokka Water Park.

Halmstad (SE)
Kotka (FI)

Sponsorship and costs

The youngster price (agest 15-25) will be € 1330,-

If you have not sailed Tall Ships Races before, please contact us for fundraising possibilities and bursaries.

Key points

Dates: 2 July 2017 - 15 July 2017
Embarkation: 17:00 / Disembarkation: 9:00
For Windseekers 15-25 years, age 26-28 at request
Participating countries: open for all nationalities all around the world
Windseekers joining: maxiumum 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
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
French Windseekers need to become member of Les Amis des Grands Voiliers
Contact your fellow-Windseekers via Windseeker facebook

"I learned that I could do things that I could have never done before."

Christopher (16), England

You sail on the Vega Gamleby

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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