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Join the sailing trip of a lifetime

Are you from Agder and aged between 15 and 25? Now is your chance to join the Tall Ships Races in the summer of 2025. Kristiansand Municipality is sending at least 100 young people out to sea together with experienced crew. 

Already 60 people have expressed their interest, but remember that not everyone is guaranteed a place - you must apply and attend an interview to secure your place on this unforgettable adventure! 

"An experience I will remember for the rest of my life. I got basic sailing experience and spent peaceful days with amazing people."

Seth 17, co-sailor 2023.

"The Tall Ships Races were a memory of a lifetime - I got to know many new people and experienced personal mastery."

Emilie 17, co-sailor 2023.

"An educational experience that gave me a break from everyday life and a unique proximity to nature. I really got to know the value of unity and cooperation."

Brede 18, sailing in 2023.

This is what you will experience on board

As a co-sailor, you get to take part in one of the world's largest sailing regattas and take part in exciting shipboard activities. This includes everything from setting and reefing sails, walking fire watches and scrubbing decks to steering the ship and keeping a lookout.

You'll work alongside people from several nations and forge friendships across borders. In addition to your fellow sailors, there are experienced people on board to guide and facilitate a good sailing experience.

What does it cost to be a co-sailor?

We cover travel to and from the foreign host port, vessel accommodation and all meals during the voyage, two days ashore for crew activities and contact persons in the host port who will welcome you. You must pay a deductible of NOK 2,900. We cover the rest of the amount of NOK 15,000.

Frequently asked questions

Who can be a young sailor?

The co-sailor program is for young people between the ages of 15 and 25. You must not have reached the age of 26 on the day you board the ship. If you are under 18, you must have parental/guardian permission to travel. 

Can I bring a friend?

Both of you can submit an application for a co-sailor berth with a wish to be placed on the same ship. We cannot guarantee that you will be placed on the same ship, but we will do what we can to make it happen. Fill in your friend's name and your wish in the comments field in the application form, and we will be aware of your wish. 

What does a co-sailor do?

Being a co-sailor on a sailing ship means taking part in the daily operations and work on board. Here are some of the most common tasks a co-sailor performs: 

  • Sailing:Co-sailors help set the sails, steer the ship and follow navigational instructions. This can include adjusting the sails, maneuvering the ship in different wind conditions and monitoring the course. During a voyage, it is not possible to start the engine, so the ships sail using wind power only. 
  • Watch system:Co-sailors participate in the watch scheme, where they monitor the ship in shifts. This involves keeping an eye out for other vessels, checking instruments and reporting any problems. 
  • Maintenance:Co-sailors perform ongoing maintenance of the ship. This can include cleaning, painting, repairs and inspections of equipment. 
  • Cooking and cleaning:Fellow sailorstake part in communal meals and help with cooking and washing up. They also help keep the ship clean and tidy. 
  • Safety:Fellow sailorsare trained in the ship's safety procedures and help deal with any situations that arise.
  • Training:Asa co-sailor, you'll get to experience what it means to be a crew member on board a sailing ship. You'll learn about sailing, navigation and seamanship. The crew provides training and guidance along the way. 

Being a co-sailor gives you a unique opportunity to experience life at sea and contribute to a community on board!When the sailing ships are in port, you get to participate in the Tall Ships Races events. This includes concerts, competitions between the crews, visiting other ships, participating in tourist activities and taking part in both the Crew Party and Crew Parade.  

Do I need sailing experience?

Being a co-sailor on a sailing ship does not require prior knowledge of sailing. All necessary training will be provided on board. This gives you the opportunity to learn new skills, work alongside the crew and experience life at sea. Although it can be physically demanding, it also gives you a sense of being part of a team, challenging yourself and creating new relationships. 

Does your mobile work on board? Is there Wi-Fi on board?

Please note that Wi-Fi is not guaranteed on board the ship and cellular coverage may be limited or non-existent when you are far from the nearest coastline. All host ports have a crew center where you can connect to Wi-Fi.

Take the opportunity to have a digital detox to be present in the moment.

Where do I sleep?

All passengers sleep on the ship's berths, in hammocks, benches or bunk beds. It varies from ship to ship.

Can I choose a ship?

We will be selecting a few ships to send sailors on. It is possible to submit a request for a ship. We will do our best to fulfill your wishes.  

Which routes can you sail?

Kristiansand Municipality will send "its" co-sailors either from Aberdeen to Kristiansand, or from Kristiansand to Esbjerg.  

What is 'cruise in company'?

Cruise in Company is a stretch of the Tall Ships Races where the ships do not compete against each other, but they sail together during the day and socialize in the evenings. There will be several Cruise in Company ports along the Norwegian coast on the way from Aberdeen to Kristiansand.  

What does it cost?

The municipality must send at least 100 young people on a sailing trip. Our fellow sailors must pay a deductible of NOK. 2,900, and with the help of sponsors we cover the remaining amount of NOK. 15.000.

Even if the municipality does not have any more available funded places, it is still possible to be a co-sailor, but to pay for the entire journey yourself. Get in touch, we are happy to help you get in touch with a sailing ship. 

What language is spoken on board?

English is the main language of communication on board. The crew on board the ships communicate primarily in English, but may also use a local working language. Instructions and training will be given in English, and you are therefore expected to be fluent in English.

It's common to hear and speak several languages on board, as trainees from different parts of the world often participate.

How is safety on board?

All ships comply with national safety regulations as well as international rules and regulations for sailing training. If you are climbing in the rig, you will receive thorough training in how to do this safely. You will also be able to borrow approved equipment. Life jackets are available to all, and the ships are equipped with lifeboats in accordance with international regulations.

All crew members also participate in safety training and briefings to ensure that everyone on board is well prepared for any emergencies. Before each voyage, all fellow sailors receive thorough safety training. During the regatta, all ships follow the STI (Sail Training International) charting and sailing rules. The decision to start or continue a leg lies with the individual captain.

Contact information for each vessel is available on the STI website.

"Being a Tall Ships Races co-sailor is an experience where you're guaranteed to meet new, friendly people - people who make the journey even more memorable and who make it extra fun to be together."

Day 17, sailing in 2023.

Image of Join a sailor

If you have any questions, please contact:

Sylvia Jacobsen
Phone: +47 48 47 50 97
(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Image of Join a sailor

If you have any questions, please contact:

Marianne Osmundsen Tronstad
Project manager
Phone: +47 94 13 20 42
(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Top image: Hanna Thevik