Join Morgenster and Iris for a sustainable youth journey

United by the wind: Against Pollution

Set course for sustainability with this unique, two-ship project – and double the fun! Join the Morgenster or Iris for an exciting adventure, sailing from Rostock in Germany to IJmuiden, near Amsterdam. Sail the ship, conduct plastic research with The Ocean Movement scientist, and make international friends, supported by helpful mentors. Have regular meetings with trainees from the other vessel, getting together on shore to exchange sea stories and share activities like beach cleanups and games. Learn new things about plastic in the ocean, other countries, and yourself – and have an unforgettable experience!

For young participants from Germany, the Netherlands, Estonia, Ireland and Hungary.

Sail a tall ship from Germany to the Netherlands, exploring the stunning North Sea coastline with an international crew of young participants. Take the helm and steer a majestic Tall Ship toward the horizon — feel the thrill of guiding such a powerful vessel! Work together to hoist the sails, harnessing the wind to carry you to your next destination. Chart your course, track your progress, and immerse yourself in an adventure you’ll never forget.

Join The Ocean Movement and take part in vital plastic research at sea. Learn about marine ecosystems and the impact of human activity on our oceans. Use a Manta trawl to collect and analyze microplastic samples, contributing to a global database for worldwide research. Organize beach clean-ups and connect with local communities to drive meaningful change. Get hands-on by crafting plastic-free cosmetics and brainstorming creative solutions for a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Make friends across borders (and ships!) and share your culture while sailing the ship together. Explore the similarities and differences between your countries, cook your national dish for the crew, and create an international playlist for the journey! Join fun games and activities led by mentors and challenge yourself both on board and on shore. With Exchange@Sea, every moment is an adventure — there’s never a dull moment!

Sponsorship and costs

This journey is co-founded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union. The subsidized youth price for this journey is € 750,- per trainee instead of the regular price of € 1000.

Traveling to-and-from the ports will be reimbursed by the Erasmus+ Program of the European Union. Reimbursement up to a certain amount, depending on the trainee’s country (according to the rules of the Erasmus+ Program).

Maximum possible reimbursement: from € 180 to € 320, depending on the country of origin and mode of transport (there is a higher subsidy for green travel options). The reimbursement will take place several months after the journey, based on receipts and tickets.

The participants of this and other Erasmus+ journeys can join the Dinghy fundraising program for free (without the usual € 75 fee.)

Key points

• Dates: 11 August 2025 – 19 August 2025
• Embarkation: 17:00 / Disembarkation: 10:00
• For Windseekers 15-25 years, age 26-28 at request
• Participating countries: Norway, Germany, the Netherlands, Estonia, Ireland and Hungary.
• Windseekers joining: 48
• No sailing experience required!
• Official language on board: English
• Price includes: accommodation and meals, excludes drinks at the bar
• Travel to-and-from ports will be reimbursed under Erasmus+ regulations (rules apply)
• Windseekers need to have a health insurance and a travel insurance
• Need to take with you on board: sleeping bags and towels (Morgenster) / towels (Iris)
• Participants might need to become members of their National Sail Training Associations (any additional fees for this are included in the journey price).

Step on board!

The registrations for this project will open on the 24th of February.

Can I choose the ship?

This project includes two ships: Morgenster and Iris. During registration, we will ask you about your preference, which will be taken into account. However, we cannot guarantee that you will be placed on your first preference of the vessel.

We will make the final decision in such a way as to ensure the best possible experience for everybody. We will take into account your preferences, the friends you want to sail with, health and dietary needs, as well as the distribution of ages, genders and nationalities.

No matter which vessel you join, you will be a part of the same extraordinary journey and have plenty of opportunities to spend the time on both ships!

What do I need to bring on board?

In order to join the Journey you will need a valid passport or international ID, health insurance for your country, and travel insurance.

Download the full Kitlist and read it carefully to see what items you will need on board.

How much does it cost and what is included?

The youth price (ages 15-25) is € 750 (trainees aged 26-28 can join at request for € 1000). This includes: accommodation and full board on a ship, any costs related to sailing (harbour fees, fuel, etc.) and (in necessary) the cost of membership in a national Sail Training Association.

The travel costs to and from the ship will be reimbursed according to the rules of Erasmus+ programme of the European Union.

Excluded is the obligatory travel and health insurance, as well as personal expenses.