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!