Summer Program

The summer program consists of a series of sail training courses. These courses are fun, educational, and an experience of a lifetime. As a trainee, no previous experience is required. The youth officers of TS Playfair and STV Pathfinder w ill teach you everything you need to know.

There are 3 simple requirements for the summer youth courses:

• You must be 13 to 18 years of age.
  
• You must be physically and mentally fit.
• You must be able to swim 100 meters and then immediately be able to tread water for 10 minutes without fatigue.

You can expect fun, challenge, and the memorable experience of sailing as part of the crew of a tall ship. You will sail day and night, and normally moor on every second or third day. During the day at sea there are training sessions, watch duty, and free time. Shore leave may be given during port visits to explore and enjoy some leisure time.

You’ll learn traditional seamanship skills such as: setting and dousing sail, tacking, gybing, wearing ship, shipboard terminology and procedures, knots, and helmsmanship. Safety procedures include man overboard and fire drills, reefing sail, and preparations for heavy weather.

Click here for more details of life on board one of our tall ships.

Click here for the answers to some frequently asked questions.