Take part in the adventure

Are you aged 15 to 28 and feel like having an adventure? Then this is the opportunity to test your sea legs. As a trainee you will be part of the crew during the Tall Ships Races together with youngsters from across the world. A unique event during which you are part of an international family and for which no prior sailing experience is required.

Unforgettable experience

The Tall Ships Races guarantee an unforgettable experience. Youngsters discover their uncultivated talents, get to know new friends from all corners of the world and have an adventure to cherish their whole life. An experience based on team sprit and togetherness that strengthens self-confidence.

Broadening your horizons

This is confirmed by Simon De Sterke who took part in the sailing competition:

"Taking part in the Tall Ships Races has broadened my horizons. As you live intensely with others on a sailing ship, you experience freedom and beauty together, but sometimes also the misery that comes with sailing. You form strong bonds that exceed borders, languages and cultures. I haven't forgotten these unforgettable adventures and people, many of whom I'm still in touch with."

"These amazing experiences encouraged me to study abroad for a year, which turned out to be the best thing that's ever happened to me. I want to see more and more of the world and I'll definitely be looking for a job with international possibilities in the future."

"I have opened myself up to the world, and in turn the world has opened up to me. Thanks to the many friends I made from all over the world, of whom I know I'm always welcome and vice versa. My sailing experience was also the bud of my vision - one I share with many participants- that life isn't a street with traffic lights and difficult turns once in a while, but a sea with a directional wind and on which you can head anywhere you want if you want it bad enough."

Hoist the sails

Join in and discover it for yourself. Climb in the mast or be at the helm, hoist the sails or haul in the rope, stand guard or scrub the deck... You can sign up for one of the glamorous sailing ships or be part of a close-knit team on a smaller yacht.

No foreknowledge required

You don't need any sailing experience to take part as a trainee. The only condition is that you're aged 15 to 28. Organiser Sail Training International ensures that youngsters from less privileged backgrounds can also take part in the Tall Ships Races. Several other ships are especially equipped to take on participants with a disability.
Interested? Take a look at this film .

More info: trainees@tallshipsrace2010.be.