Vega Gamleby: Stavanger (NO) - Harlingen (NL)

International Exchange Tall Ships Races Sail Training

15-25: € 810,-
25+: € 1035,-

Book this journey

28 July - 05 August 2018

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* FULLY BOOKED * International Exchange. The Tall Ships Races 2018, Race 2 from Stavanger to Harlingen. With Tall Ships from all over the world you will Race together in a friendly competition. This journey is special in that it is also an International Exhchange on board of a Ship! You will meet your peers from different countries and you will have the time to get to know each others customs, food and even a bit of a language! On board you will participate in the daily working of the ship alongside professional seamen: standing lookout, manning the helm, helping in the galley, hoisting sail and voluntarily climb the rigging/mast. For Windseekers age 15-25 years only. Places for trainees aged 25+ at request.

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 Race 2 from Norway to the Netherlands. 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 Harlingen, 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. 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. With many nationalities on board you will enjoy national dinner parties, debates, games to bridge the cultural differences. Exchanges are special! Aside from the professional sailing Crew, during these journeys there are mentors on board who will organize your activities and be there for you if you need someone to talk to.

During the journey the trainees 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. 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: saying goodbye won’t be easy!

Ports

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.

Harlingen is a trade and fishing port in Friesland, the Netherlands. The town itself is over a thousand years old, and you’ll find several historic streets in the old city centre. Its small size makes it easy to explore the town on foot. In 2014 Harlingen was a port of call for the Tall Ships Races. The town operates ferry lines to the Frisian Islands, a unique nature reserve with populations of seals, birds, and other wildlife. With its ‘gezellige’ pubs the town is a great place for a stopover.

Stavanger (NO)
Harlingen (NL)

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: 28 July 2018 - 5 August 2018
Embarkation: 16:00 / Disembarkation: 9:00
For Windseekers of all ages, minimum age 15 years
Windseekers joining: maximum 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

"It is an adventure you don’t want to miss! Being a sailor only takes passion and motivation."

Axel (23), France

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