SET SAIL IN THE WAKE OF TRADITION: Unique Sailing and Cultural Exchange Program for Antiguan Youngsters and Swedish Sail Trainees

 

 

 

 SET SAIL IN THE WAKE OF TRADITION!

Unique Sailing and Cultural Exchange Program for Antiguan Youngsters and Swedish Sail Trainees

 

In a collaborative effort to celebrate maritime heritage and foster cultural exchange, the West Indies Sail Heritage Foundation is partnering with the Swedish Tall Ship Gunilla to organize the “Set Sail in the Wake of Tradition” program. This took place on March 6th and 7th 2026 and aims to introduce Antiguan youth to the art of traditional square-rigged sailing while creating meaningful connections with Swedish sail trainees.
This year, forty students from Jennings Secondary School and Antigua & Barbuda College of Advanced Studies (ABCAS) Set Sail for an unforgettable day aboard the Tall Ship Gunilla. Under the guidance of skilled Swedish trainees and crew, they hoisted the sails and experienced sailing on the ocean on a majestic traditional square-rigged ship.

Tall Ship Gunilla

Tall Ship Gunilla

The ship was launched in 1940 as a long-haul cargo ship. Except for a short time in the 50s, when the ship acted as a ferry, transporting people and cars to Öland, she sailed with the cargo until the 90s. In 1997 Gunilla was rebuilt entirely into a 3-masted barque. She has since been active at a Swedish college, where social studies students aged 18-19 spend 60 days each year as part of their education, learning to sail, work together, and become aware of the world situation. 

 https://www.ockerogymnasieskola.se/2.f65bfc015500ef7648bf3e5.html

Ocean Sailing Adventure for Antiguan Students

For many of the students, this was their first time stepping onto a vessel of such magnitude, a towering, three-masted tall ship that seemed to belong more to history books than to their everyday lives. 

The program, “Set Sail in the Wake of Tradition,” is more than just a school excursion. The forty students from Jennings Secondary School and the Antigua & Barbuda College of Advanced Studies (ABCAS), they stepped into a world where the ocean was the classroom and the Swedish sail trainees were their teachers. Some of the Antiguan students had never been out on the ocean before.

As they arrived aboard the Tall Ship Gunilla, there was a mix of excitement, curiosity, and fear for the unknown. The captain, crew and the Swedish trainees greeted them warmly, and no better welcome than with a Swedish breakfast. Language differences faded quickly, replaced by camaraderie, laughter, and a shared sense of curiosity.

The day began with introductions and safety briefings, but it wasn’t long before the real experience began. “Hands to the lines!” called one of the crew members, and suddenly the students were no longer just visitors; they were part of the crew. Guided by experienced sailors, they learned how to pull the ropes and hoist the massive sails that carry the ship forward. No winches on this ship, so hoisting sails and bracing the yards takes at least 10 people. The students began to move together, finding rhythm and strength in teamwork. We left Falmouth Harbour and sailed into the open ocean, leaving the sight of land behind. The deep blue ocean is impressive, but it also has its challenges, and the waves and rolling ship made some students a little uncomfortable.

Swedish sail trainees join the Ocean Love NO Plastic NO Waste Workshop

While one group of Swedish students took the Antiguans to the ocean, the other group of Swedish trainees spent the day onshore participating in the “Classroom to Community” initiative. This program is designed to give visiting trainees a deeper understanding of Antigua’s culture and history through a tour of Nelson’s Dockyard, and they joined the environmental project, “Ocean Love NO Plastic NO Waste,” from the West Indies Sail Heritage Foundation. They learned about the dangers of the plastic pollution of the oceans, the 4Rs Refuse, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle as solutions to the problem and how to upcycle plastic waste into new valuable products.

They cleaned the beach and discussed what might have been the problem if all the trash had been washed into the ocean. One of the highlights of the visit was the open discussion between the Swedish students and Antiguan volunteers, during which we shared experiences and discussed the similarities and differences between life in the Caribbean and in Sweden.
Moments like these remind us that sailing is not only about the sea, it’s about connection, learning, and cultural exchange.

As the students aboard Gunilla returned to shore at the end of their day, their conversations buzzed with excitement as they recounted their favourite moments, the satisfaction of working together to raise the sails, the challenges overcome, and the friendships formed in just a few short hours.

What made the experience truly special was not just the sailing itself, but the connections it fostered. Students found themselves working alongside peers from another country, discovering that despite differences in language and culture, they shared the same sense of wonder and adventure.

And for those forty students, it was the beginning of a journey, one that would continue to shape their perspectives, inspire their dreams, and remind them that sometimes, the most extraordinary adventures begin with a single step aboard a ship.

The West Indies Sail Heritage Foundation aims to inspire young people to embrace sailing, discover the ocean, and connect with international youngsters. Picture the excitement of hoisting the sails and making friends from different countries and cultures! This program fosters appreciation for traditional sailing and maritime heritage, creating lasting memories and connections that celebrate our shared love for the sea. Join us in setting sail for an incredible journey!

Check also the ABS TV interview on the 8 AM Morning Show: https://youtu.be/Q0OzZqeAOSM?si=1ZerdiYF9L3l2D1L

We are grateful to our sponsors for making this happen

 

 

 

Set Sail in the Wake of Tradition

A Thrilling Sailing and Cultural Exchange for

Antiguan and Swedish Youth!

 

On Monday, February 24th, and Tuesday, February 25th, fourty-five enthusiastic students aged 15-19 from Jennings Secondary School, Antigua State College, and Island Academy embarked on an unforgettable sailing day aboard the majestic Tall Ship Gunilla.

 

Under the expert guidance of skilled Swedish sail trainees and the dedicated crew, the students were set to work, pulling the lines and hoisting the sails of this beautiful square-rigger. For many of these Antiguan students, it was their first time on the open sea, and they loved the experience. Their laughter echoing across the waves as they forged new friendships with their Swedish counterparts.

As they sailed the vast blue ocean, they learned to navigate the winds and exchanged stories and traditions, creating bonds that transcend borders.
The sense of camaraderie and adventure inspired a spark in many, igniting dreams of mastering the art of sailing and perhaps one day working aboard a traditional ship like Gunilla!

 

 

The Swedish sail trainees participated in the inspiring “Classroom to Community” program. Their morning was ignited by the impactful plastic upcycling workshop, “Ocean Love NO Plastic No Waste” and a beach clean organized by the West Indies Sail Heritage Foundation. Here, they not only learned about the critical issue of plastic pollution affecting our beautiful oceans but were also introduced to the powerful 4 R’s: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

The Swedish students collaborated with the dedicated team from the West Indies Sail Heritage Foundation to creatively upcycle plastic waste into new, valuable products, transforming potential waste into treasures. This experience went beyond education; it sparked a passion for environmental stewardship and community engagement.

 

In the afternoon, under the inspirational guidance of the Antigua and Barbuda National Park, they ventured into the historic Nelson’s Dockyard, deepening their appreciation for its significant role in maritime history.
This day was not just a learning experience; it was a call to action, inspiring them to become stewards of their environment and champions of change for a brighter future.

 

A huge thank you to our incredible sponsors and partners for making this extraordinary experience possible!

Tall Ship Gunilla: http://www.ockerogymnasieskola.se

Caribbean Sail Training: http://www.caribbeansailtraining.com

 Antigua & Barbuda National Park: http://www.nationalparksantigua.com

 

 

 

 

Organisers

The West Indies Sail Heritage Foundation provides weekly sail training on its traditional Carriacou sloop, New Moon, and represents Caribbean Sail Training (CST) in Antigua. Caribbean Sail Training is dedicated to fostering connections among youth through the love of sailing and Tall Ship Gunilla is a proud member of CST.

Ready to set sail? Are you an Antiguan Youngster between 13-23 and like to learn how to sail on our traditional Carriacou Sloop “New Moon”? For more information about sail training and the opportunities awaiting you, contact us via our website or contact Billy from the WISH Foundation on WhatsApp at 1-268-7763484.

Donate! Help us teach more young Antiguans!

 

Tall Ship Gunilla was launched in 1940 as a long-haul cargo ship. Except for a short time in the 50s, when the ship acted as a ferry, transporting people and cars to Öland, she was sailing with the cargo until the 90s. In 1997 Gunilla was rebuilt entirely into a 3-masted barque. She has since been active at a Swedish college, where social studies students aged 18-19 years spend 60 days each year as a part of their education, learning to sail, cooperate, and become aware of the world situation. She completes a lap around the Northern Atlantic annually and visits the Caribbean in February and March.