Thalassa: Boulogne-sur-Mer (FR) - Saint-Nazaire (FR)

Clean Circle Navigators Exchange@sea Powered by Erasmus+ Sail Training

Normal price: € 925,-

Book this journey

11 July - 25 July 2021

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*FULLY BOOKED* Bon Voyage, Plastic! Erasmus+ Youth Exchange for young people aged 15-25 (ages 26-28 at request) from: the Netherlands, Belgium and France. Embark on an international adventure at sea and learn to sail a Tall Ship, practicing different skills: from making knots to working as a team. Conduct plastic research with a marine biologist from By the Ocean we Unite and learn about the environment, and the global impact of plastic pollution. Start your adventure with the Dinghy coaching program. Additional fees may apply due to the necessity of becoming a member of partner organisation of your country (up to EUR 50). The embarkation is at 21:00 but you are welcome to come by early to drop off your bags – the mentors will wait for you!

About the Journey

Join Thalassa for an adventurous youth exchange in France. Make international friends, visit beautiful places, learn to sail, study plastic pollution and . The crew will explain everything and soon you will start to do more and more on your own: navigate the sea charts, steer the ship, climb the masts (voluntarily!) and trim the sails according to the wind. Before long you'll become confident in sailing Thalassa working in a team.

During your journey Thalassa will be home to young people from different countries. The mentors on board will help you to get to know each other, compare cultural similarities and gain useful experience from your differences. Make international friends, share the most delicious foods from your country, take on fun challenges and find your place in a diverse group of young trainees. Improve your English and gain self-confidence while having fun in a completely unique environment!

Participate in plastic research of the sea, led by a marine biologist from By the Ocean we Unite. Learn to collect water samples, analyse them for microplastics and record the results to be entered into a worldwide database. Learn about marine ecosystem in theory while searching the waves for dolphins and sea birds. Talk to your peers from other countries about solutions to everyday environmental problems in different places, and together come up with more ideas. Become a climate ambassador.

No budget? No worries! The Windseeker Dinghy will help you get on board. The program, much more than just a fundraising training, is part of your preparation and included in the Exchanges. Raise money for your journey, supported by an experienced coach. Learn new things about yourself and gain life skills. It is also a great way to connect with other trainees. Let us know at booking if you’d like to take part. It's a good idea, really. Regardless of financial reasons. Join Dinghy and get going!

Ports

Saint-Nazaire is a major port town in the Loire River estuary in Brittany, France. You can explore its longstanding maritime traditions by visiting the Submarine Base and boarding the French Submarine Espadon. If you prefer to stay on the surface, visit Escal’ Atlantic where you will be brought back in time to the era of cruise liners. Afterwards take a stroll down Front de Mer - the waterfront, relax in a cafe with the view of the ocean and enjoy the summer breeze.

Sponsorship and costs

Participants of this journey are enrolled into the Windseeker Dinghy Program for free in order to raise money for their own journey.

The subsidized price for this journey is EUR 925,- per trainee, instead of the regular price of EUR 1,780.

Participants need to become members of their countries' Sail Training Associations for a small fee (usually up to EUR 30).

Possible reimbursement of your travel costs to- and from the ports, from the Erasmus+ Program of the European Union. Reimbursement up to a certain amount (according to the rules of the Erasmus+ Program). Maximum possible reimbursement: the Netherlands EUR 275; Belgium EUR 275; France EUR 180.

The reimbursement will take place several months after the journey.

Key points

Dates: 11 July 2021 - 25 July 2021
Embarkation: 21:00 / Disembarkation: 10:00
For Windseekers 15-25 years, age 26-28 at request
Participating countries: the Netherlands, Belgium and France
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 ports. Our travel counsellor can advise you and book your transfers. Windseeker can help to arrange traveling together with other trainees from your country
Windseekers need to have a health insurance and a travel insurance
Windseekers from the Netherlands, France and Belgium need to become members of their countries’ Sail Training Associations

"This adventure brings a lot of feelings with it, it's a wake-up call for life."

Ian (20), Belgium

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