Sail Training Shetland is encouraging islanders aged 15-25 to sign up for a unique experience on board vessels in the Tall Ships Races which will visit Lerwick for the third time, from July 26-29 this year.
The closing date for applications is 31 March, with a series of Taster Day Sails in April which forms part of the selection process and gives an insight into what can be expected if applicants go on to be offered tall ships voyages.
Participation will provide opportunities for travel, international friendships, and festivals in host ports. Trainees will join the Cruise in Company, onboard three varied ships, Eendracht, Christian Radich and Shetland’s very own Tall Ship, Swan, at Fredrikstad, Norway, to head for Lerwick.
A second group will race from Lerwick to Arendal, in Norway, onboard Swan.
The adventure is fully funded by sponsors, but places are necessarily limited. No sailing experience is required.
Captain Calum Grains, Lerwick Port Authority Chief Executive, “We are proud to continue our association with Sail Training Shetland and again support young Shetlanders in getting valuable hands-on experience of life-at-sea and of other countries and nationalities.”
Over 300 island trainees have been supported by the Sail Training Shetland charity to date, across a variety of maritime gatherings, festivals, and events such as Nordic Sail and The Tall Ships Races.
If you are interested in applying, please visit Sail Training Shetland’s website, to access application forms and guidance notes.