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

Stavanger (NO) - Harlingen (NL)

28 July - 05 August 2018

8 days, Vega Gamleby

From € 810,-

Book this journey

International Exchange Tall Ships Races Sail Training

15-25: € 810,-
25+: € 1035,-

Book this journey

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

28 July - 05 August 2018

* 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 vibrant modern port with a charming historic district. Its picturesque old harbour offers a lively atmosphere right in the heart of the city. Stavanger boasts a rich cultural scene and is the perfect gateway to some of Norway’s most stunning natural landscapes. Don’t forget your hiking boots – the surrounding mountains promise unforgettable views. Discover the dramatic Lysefjord, hike to the famous Preikestolen and Kjerag cliffs, or unwind on the sandy beaches of Jæren.

Harlingen is a historic trade and fishing port in Friesland, the Netherlands, with roots going back over a thousand years. Its charming old town features well-preserved streets and buildings, perfect for exploring on foot. Despite its small size, Harlingen has a lively atmosphere and was a proud port of call for the Tall Ships Races in 2022. With its gezellig pubs and welcoming vibe, Harlingen is an ideal stopover for any traveler.

  • Stavanger (NO)

  • Harlingen (NL)

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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

  • "Super great experience, I recommend it to everyone. I loved it!!! Everything was perfect."

    Michael (17), Belgium

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

The Swedish Tall Ship Vega Gamleby is open to all those wishing to experience a moment of history. In 2009 she celebrated her 100th anniversary and is still sailing the seas, as seaworthy as ever. Enjoy the experience of only …

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Windseeker logs

  • We were flying over the water with the power of the sails under our feet

    – by

    Today was the day that my adventure started: I would depart from Brest France to Langesund Norway on a 12 day long sailing voyage. I met different people from various nationalities, with whom we would create beautiful friendships.

    Read log

  • We sail together. We sweat together. We smile together.

    Vega Gamleby

    Gothenburg - Blyth - Gothenburg

    – by the Trainees

    Logbook trainees Vega Gamleby 2016 Gothenburg-Blyth-Gothenburg Part 1: 23-24 August We sail together. We sweat together. We smile together. We are friends. We are family. We are the champion.   23-August-2016: Linda Today it was a wonderful day. We started with a climb lesson for the …

    Read log

Photos

  • Trainee
  • Sørlandet
  • Sørlandet

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