Like ships that pass in the night, half of Aberdeen’s 244 Tall Ship sail trainees have arrived back from Dunkirk to their home port, while the other half make ready to sail on to Kristiansand in Norway.
But coming or going, every one of the young people agree that being part of the Aberdeen Tall Ships Races 2025 is a transformational experience.
The adventure started when they applied for a place on one of the beautiful vessels in October last year, the successful applicants met for the first time in April and are now living the reality of life on the high seas.
And it was an exhilarating experience for three of the north-east sail trainees, Rebecca Hodgkins, Isla Kennedy, and Harris Carnie who sailed on the Wylde Swan on the Dunkirk to Aberdeen leg of the race.
Rebecca Hodgkins, Isla Kennedy, and Harris Carnie. Image Credit: Aberdeen Inspired
Rebecca, 17, from Peterculter, said: “It was incredible. You get to meet so many new people, the crew is amazing, the experience is amazing. There are so many high highs – some lows, but not very many.
“You get crazy wind and rain, but then you get lovely calm days with glorious sunsets. One of the moments I really enjoyed was climbing the rigging. It was so cool to climb to the very top then you get to see the ship sail along. It was brilliant.”
Rebecca said she not only had fun, but also learned new life skills.
“The things I will take away from this is working in a team of new people and getting to know them. I also think I will take away perseverance. You have to stay focussed and stick with it, but the rewards are incredible.
“My advice to Aberdeen trainees going out is enjoy every moment, it went past so quick. I’m so sad it’s over, so treasure every minute you have.”
Image credit: Aberdeen Inspired
Isla, 15, from Aberdeen city centre, shared that infectious enthusiasm for life aboard a Tall Ship.
“It was amazing and unlike anything I had ever done before, as I had never sailed before, It felt very special to be part of something which is in our home town,” she said.
Her time on the Wylde Swan also gave her magical moments she will never forget.
“I really liked watching a movie on the sail at night, there was a nice sunset, the water was completely still so we weren’t moving. I also liked when we climbed out to the front boom at nighttime and just sat in the netting. It was just so peaceful. You couldn’t see land, just the sea.
“This has taught me that you have to be reliable. People are relying on you, so you have to get up, you have to be there. It has made me take responsibility for myself.
“For the trainees going out, I would say enjoy your night shifts because I will really miss them. And speak to as many people as you can because we made so many friends from different countries.”
Hazera Hamid. Image credit: Aberdeen City Council
Harris, 15, from Inverurie, also urged the sail trainees heading for Kristiansand, to make the most of the social side of their adventure.
“Be sociable and make lots of friends because everyone on the boat has been so good. Make the best of it. One of my highlights was just being with everyone on the ship. Last night we just all singing and dancing,” he said.
“It was so good. It really exceeded my expectations, just unbelievable. I think it has taught me so many things.”
The sense of anticipation was tangible among the Aberdeen sail trainees getting ready to sail out of port tomorrow for the incredible voyage to Kristiansand.
Three trainees setting sail tomorrow are Archie Sweetnam and Hazera Hamid, both from Stonehaven and sailing on the Eendracht, and Maddie Sharpe from Huntly who will be on the Alba Explorer.
Archie, 17, said, “Being a trainee is going to take me completely out of my comfort zone. My Dad died this time two years ago and I know he would really have encouraged me to do this. I’m sort of doing it in his memory, but also for me! I’m looking forward to getting to know my crew mates, I’m a bit worried about waking up in time for the watches, but I know its all going to be an incredible experience. I’m excited to get sailing!”
Archie Sweetnam. Image credit: Aberdeen City Council
Hazera, 15, said, “String group at school was cancelled the day Hollie came to talk about the Tall Ships Races, so I went along with Archie. We turned to each other when she finished and said, ‘Let’s do it!’ I’m looking forward to making new friends and singing karaoke in the middle of the North Sea – I’m bringing my mini machine on board! I’ve also brought henna with me and I’ll be giving my crew mates henna tattoos. I’m a bit worried about throwing up – one of the other trainees told me if someone gets seasick everyone gets sick!”
Maddie, 15, said, “I’m feeling nervous, happy and excited for all new experiences I’m about to have. I found out about the opportunity when Hollie came to talk to our youth club. I’ve never sailed before but the trainee meet ups have built my confidence, it’s been great to meet the people that I’m sailing with. I’m looking forward to staying up late, seeing sealife and swimming – I love to swim! Most of all I can’t wait to get to Norway and see the stars in the night sky.”
Maddie Sharp. Image credit: Aberdeen City Council
The young people experiencing life at sea for the first time are really at the beating heart of the world-class races, said Hollie Weatherhead, Aberdeen City Council sail trainee manager for Tall Ships Aberdeen.
“The Tall Ships Races only exist for the purpose of teaching young people how to sail, to promote international friendship and it is all about building life skills for people aged between 15 and 25 years old.
“I have known these trainees from Aberdeen since January and the growth I have seen has been miraculous. There has been fabulous feedback and some of them want to go again.
“There are spaces on one of the ships going to Kristiansand, so a few young people have signed up for that leg, so we have people coming off one boat and on to another.”
To find our more, please visit www.tallshipsaberdeen.com
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