THE TALL SHIPS’ RACES 2008: A voyage of self discovery. How to GET INVOLVED.

Admin | Maritime Articles, Maritime News and Events | February 8, 2008

Tall Ships, these two words stir up an exciting myriad of sensations, colossal square-riggers with soaring masts and billowing sails, listing majestically to the wind, or sleek schooners sliding gracefully over the water.

Imagine being at the helm of an impressive tall ship, guiding her across seas and oceans towards exciting adventures, new experiences and unforgettable memories. Picture your self gallantly sailing along the spectacular coastlines, the magnificent Norwegian fjords or the British Isles. Beauty combined with the joy and quietness of being impelled by the wind.

Standing at the helm you can feel the great might of a 150 ft sailing ship ploughing through the ocean, splashing its bow like a playful dolphin against every wave it encounters…

The 2007 Mediterranea and Baltic editions of The Tall Ships’ Races came to a dramatic closure with the final Parade of Sail in Genoa and in Szczecin, leaving mixed emotions to all participants and visitors alike, saddened to see the ships sailing away to their homeports. However, happiness and satisfaction reflected in the faces of trainees from all of the ships, they were the real winners. As they sailed away to their various countries they took with them the knowledge of a job well done and an experience that most will remember forever.

Sail Training International has already announced next years edition of the Tall Ship’ Races, which will take place in the North Sea.

Liverpool, UK, next year’s European Capital of Culture, is the city where the fleet will gather on 18^th July 2008 for an adventure that will take the fleet through the North Sea to the cities of Måløy and Bergen in Norway, with a final destination in Den Helder, Netherlands

Race One will start on July 21^st and will take 11 days to arrive at Måløy on August the 1^st. A cruise in company is scheduled to start the 4^th of August ending the 9^that Bergen. On August 12^th Race Two will depart for an eight day navigation to Den Helder where the fleet will stay till the 23^rdof August.

To participate it is not necessary to embark on one of the glamorous square-riggers. Any mono-hull sailing vessel of at least 9.14m waterline length, provided that it meets Sail Training International’s safety equipment requirements and has at least 50 percent of its crew aged between 15 and 25 years, is eligible for entry.

There’s almost a year ahead before the event takes place which yields plenty of time to get everything ready in order to get involved.

How do I find out more?

To facilitate enrolment, you’ll find the answers to the most frequently asked questions below. But if you can’t find what you’re looking for, why not post a question on this Blog? You’ll be surprised how quickly someone sends you a reply.

What are the Tall Ships’ Races?

What is sail training?

Who owns the Tall Ships?

How to apply to join the Tall Ships’ Races 2008?

Do you have to be under 25 to participate?

Do I need any sailing experience?

Can I get financial help with my voyage fees?

Will everybody else on the ship know each other?

How many trainees do the ships take?

What do I need to take on my voyage?

Are there any salaried or volunteer crew vacancies?

What are the Tall Ships’ Races?

“The Tall Ships’ Races are held every summer in European waters. Each year between 70 and 100 vessels from 15-20 countries, crewed by some 5-6,000 young people from over 30 countries worldwide, take part in this unique event that combines four days of activities in each port with racing or cruising-in-company between ports. During the race series the young crews get the chance to gain experience by sailing with their contemporaries from other countries while facing the physical and emotional challenges that only the ocean can provide.” *

What is sail training?

“Sail training is a growing adventure activity for the young and old everywhere, with a record of considerable success in developing men and women of character and ability for the challenges of life.

Sail training is an adventure activity for people of all ages and abilities. It includes instruction in all aspects of sailing but its purpose goes far, far beyond this. Sail training uses the experience of being at sea principally as a means to help people learn about themselves, discover hidden strengths and talents and understand the value of working as a team. In some programmes today it forms the setting for much wider aspects of education at sea.

Sail training requires participants to confront many demanding challenges, both physical and emotional. It is an activity that inspires self-confidence and the acceptance of personal responsibility, promotes an acceptance of others whatever their social or cultural backgrounds, and develops a willingness to take controlled risks. For most who undertake sail training on Tall Ships it is a positive life-changing experience. “*

Who owns the Tall Ships?

“Most sail training vessels are owned and operated by charities or foundations, schools or universities, governments or other institutions. “*

How to apply to join the Tall Ships’ Races 2008?

To take part in The Tall Ships’ Races or for any other voyage there are different ways to find a ship on which to embark:

Get in touch with your countries’ National Sail Training International Organisation to find out what vessels will be taking part on the Tall Ships’ Races 2008.
Ask directly to a Sail Training Operator about scheduled voyages.
The Tall Ships People coordinate crews for the Tall Ships fleet.
At Sea Sail Training, will help you find available ships to match your demands and budget.
Tall Ship Friends is an institution whose goal is promoting sail training on square rigged ships to help further their existence.

Do you have to be under 25 to participate?

No. Even though there’s a requirement for at least 50% of the crew to be aged between 15 and 25, trainees can be any age from 15 upwards. Indeed, many older people in their 70s and 80s have already enjoyed the experience.

Do I need any sailing experience?

No. You don’t need any experience or sailing qualifications to become a trainee crew member. Many people experience their first Tall Ship voyage while taking part in The Tall Ships’ Races.

Can I get financial help with my voyage fees?

Yes. Financial backing is available to subsidise the participation of those who could otherwise not afford it, through many of the National Sail Training Organisations; contact them directly to find out more. The cost of sail training differs from one organisation or ship or country to another. Many ships take all nationalities so it is worth trying organisations and ships based in different countries from your own. There are also special programmes for those with physical, mental or social difficulties.

Will everybody else on the ship know each other?

No. The majority of trainees will not have met each other before unless they happen to have travelled to the ship together.

How many trainees do the ships take?

It varies from one ship to another, the larger the ship the larger the crew needed to man it.

What do I need to take on my voyage?