‘Life changing experience’ awaits as youngsters head off for Tall Ships Races
SIXTEEN young people from Shetland are heading away this evening to start what is described as an “adventure of a lifetime” in the Tall Ships Races.
Sailing between Stavanger in Norway and Aalborg in Denmark, the trainees will race against other tall ships across the Skagerrak Sea and enjoy the atmosphere and activities in both host ports.
Taking part in race three, 10 trainees will be placed aboard Shetland’s own tall ship Swan, while the other six will be aboard the Norwegian class A tall ship Sørlandet.
It comes as Sail Training International celebrates 70 years of the Tall Ships Races.
The first race took place in 1956 between Devon and Lisbon, and was a celebration of the world’s remaining class A ships.
During the past 70 years Sail Training International has enabled more than 20,000 young people to take part in the races, giving them an empowering experience that boosts self-confidence and resilience.
Sail Training Shetland chair Melanie Henderson said: “The Tall Ships Races is such an incredible event, Europe’s largest free family festival, and a real life changing experience for young people.
“Still going strong after 70 years is a great achievement and we have been privileged to place trainees with the races for nearly 20 years.
“With Lerwick having been a host port three times, Shetlanders know how great it is to welcome these magnificent ships and international guests, as well as experience the atmosphere of being a host port.
“We can’t wait to hear how our 2026 trainees get on, and look forward to enabling young Shetlanders to take part in the Tall Ships Races for many more years to come.”
The trainees are heading on the north boat tonight (Thursday), with onward travel out to Norway before they join their ships.
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Trainees aboard the Sørlandet will have an 11-night experience, including travelling back to Shetland from Denmark.
Those aboard Swan will sail back to Shetland with the ship, enjoying an experience spanning a fortnight.
Joining fellow trainees from across the world, the Shetland trainees will “share experiences and make international friendships, helping them to further broaden their horizons, skills and confidence”.
Beenie-Ann Wood, one of Sail Training Shetland’s 2026 trainees, said excitement has been building every day.
“Between Sail Training Shetland and the Swan crew, we have been given a great insight into the adventure ahead, and all the top tips to help us make the most of the experience,” she said.
“We are extremely grateful for this opportunity Sail Training Shetland and its sponsors have given us, we will represent Shetland proudly as we meet trainees from all over the world.”
Sail Training Shetland has supported nearly 600 trainees to date, offering day sails free of charge and heavily subsidised sail training experiences.
It said it can only do this due to its volunteers, fundraising and sponsorship.
Sail Training Shetland’s volunteer committee said it gratefully acknowledged all of the support it receives, including from key sponsors’, which this year includes main sponsor Arven Offshore Wind Farm as well Boskalis Westminster, Shetland Islands Council, Lerwick Port Authority, Sail Yell, the Swan Trust and NorthLink Ferries.
Aaron Priest, stakeholder manager at Arven Offshore Wind Farm, said: “Arven represents the old-Norse word for legacy. Creating positive legacies in skills development, port investment, local supply chain opportunities, and career-long job opportunities is integral to Arven’s vision for Shetland.
“Sail Training Shetland’s work and values closely align with those aims in providing once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, and unforgettable experiences, for local young people ahead of their next journey into the world of work or further education.
“We wish all those who’ve been selected many congratulations and every success in Tall Ships 2026 – good luck”.
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