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

Sunderland (GB) - Esbjerg (DK)

13 July - 20 July 2018

7 days, Vega Gamleby

From € 720,-

Book this journey

International Exchange Tall Ships Races Sail Training

15-25 : € 720,-
25+: € 920,-

Book this journey

Vega Gamleby:
Sunderland (GB) - Esbjerg (DK)

13 July - 20 July 2018

* Last place available – contact info@windseeker.org before booking * International Exchange for all ages. Tall Ships Races 2018, Race 1: Sunderland – Esbjerg. Join the Vega for a very special voyage with international young people. 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. And there also will be time left to do some international games on board and time to make an international dinner from each joining country. Open for all nationalities all around the world and all ages. (nationalities already on board: UK, Sweden, Denmark)

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 1 from UK to Denmark. 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 Esbjerg, 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!

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 there are mentors on board who 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. You will stand lookout, navigate, man the helm, climb the masts (voluntarily), 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. Warning: saying goodbye won’t be easy!

Ports

Sunderland is a coastal city in North East England, aging back to the 7th century. Whether you're a nature or a culture lover, you will surely find a bunch of nice activities to do! For instance, have a lovely day out with fish&chips for lunch at the Roker & Seaburn Beaches or take a relaxing walk in Herrington Country Park. Also, go on a trip to the picturesque Penshaw Monument. Discover the Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens.

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!

  • Sunderland (GB)

  • Esbjerg (DK)

Sponsorship and costs

The youngster price (age 15-25) will be € 720 instead of the normal price of € 920.

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 2018 - 20 July 2018
  • Embarkation: 17:00 / 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
  • 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
  • "I have met new people, been up in the mast, seen indescribable sunsets and laughed a lot. Learning how to sail a ship has been the coolest thing I have done so far and I have confidence in what I do now."

    Annette (18), Denmark

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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