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: Sail trainees setting sail on Tall Ship Blue Clipper!

 

 

 

 SET SAIL IN THE WAKE OF TRADITION!

Sail trainees setting sail on Tall Ship Blue Clipper!

 

Full of excitement and ready for adventure, sail trainees Kaemoy and Preston, accompanied by Billy, the Founder of the West Indies Sail Heritage Foundation, began their incredible journey aboard the majestic Tall Ship Blue Clipper, sailing from Antigua to St Maarten. A voyage that would test their endurance and expand their horizons in ways they had never imagined.

The West Indies Sail Heritage Foundation collaborates with Caribbean Sail Training   https://www.caribbeansailtraining.com/ and Sail Training International https://sailtraininginternational.org/sailtraining/  to offer sail training opportunities to Antiguan Youngsters. Although Antigua is known as a sailing paradise, sailing opportunities for local youth are limited, especially the chance to sail the majestic traditional Tall Ships.

What is Sail Training?

Sail training is a form of experiential learning in which young people go to sea on traditional sailing vessels and take part as active crew members rather than as passengers. Trainees work alongside professional sailors to actually run the ship: hoisting sails, steering, standing night watch, climbing rigging, and taking responsibility for daily shipboard life.

Sail training instils confidence and fosters teamwork, cultivating strong communication skills, trust, and respect for others. It serves as a bridge to our maritime heritage. Traditional ships are living museums and sailing them offers trainees a profound connection to centuries of seafaring history long before the advent of modern engines.

About the Blue Clipper

Built in 1991 at the Feab Marstrandsverken shipyard in Sweden, the Blue Clipper carried decades of stories within her steel hull and across her teak deck. Her design as a three-masted gaff rig schooner gave her a distinctive elegance, with sails rigged fore to aft along the length of the ship. Ten sails, stretching across an impressive 675 square meters, worked together to harness the wind, while her steel masts and wooden booms stood as a testament to both strength and craftsmanship.

Getting Ready

Safety First at Sea. The First Lesson on Tall Ship Blue Clipper!
Before a single sail is hoisted and the ship catches the wind, there’s one tradition that always comes first on board a Tall Ship: safety.
When sail trainees Kaemoy and Preston stepped aboard the Tall Ship Blue Clipper , their journey into traditional sailing began not with ropes and sails, but with a full safety briefing, an essential part of life at sea.
On traditional sailing vessels, every crew member has a role and every piece of equipment has a purpose. They were introduced to key gear used by Tall Ship sailors, including inflatable PFDs worn at night or in heavy weather, safety harnesses used when climbing aloft or working near the bowsprit, and immersion suits designed to protect against cold water.
And of course, no safety training is complete without a little challenge! Preston had everyone smiling as he raced to put on his immersion suit in under two minutes!
Then came the drills. The “man overboard” and the fire drill were taken seriously. They practiced gathering at designated muster stations, understanding that in an emergency, confusion could be dangerous. 

At first, it all felt overwhelming. There was so much to remember, so many details to take in. But as the crew patiently guided them through each step, confidence began to replace uncertainty. By the end of the drills, Kaemoy and Preston no longer felt like outsiders; they felt prepared.

Check the video clip of the safety drills on YouTube https://youtube.com/shorts/UCdifMkaZjM?feature=share

 

Setting Sail

Looking at the bowsprit from the deck was intimidating enough. Climbing outside at the end of the bowsprit to untie the sails was something else entirely. Harnessed and guided, Kaemoy and Preston experienced their first climb out. 

“Haul together!” came the call as the ship prepared to leave port. Hoisting sails was their first real test. The ropes were thick and heavy, their movements requiring coordination and timing. At first, it felt chaotic, but slowly, they began to understand. With the crew’s guidance, they found their footing. Pull by pull, they worked in unison until the sails finally rose and filled with wind. 

Life on board quickly settled into a steady rhythm. There was always something to be done. Sailing a traditional ship like Blue Clipper required constant attention, and Preston and Kaemoy were expected to fully participate. 

Night watch became one of the most memorable parts of their journey. Standing on deck in the quiet darkness, with only the stars and the sound of the ocean surrounding them, they experienced a different side of sailing. The ship moved steadily, guided by wind and careful hands. Being on watch wasn’t just about observing; it was about awareness. They learned to read the wind, to notice subtle changes, and to stay alert even when the world seemed still. Navigation sessions introduced them to chart work and course plotting. They learned how sailors long before them had relied on similar skills to cross oceans. It was a reminder that while technology has advanced, the fundamentals of sailing remain deeply rooted in tradition.

One of the most powerful lessons came through teamwork. On a ship like Blue Clipper, nothing happens alone. Every sail raised, every course adjusted, every watch completed depends on collective effort. Kaemoy and Preston learned to trust not only the crew but also each other.

Life aboard Blue Clipper was demanding. Kaemoy and Preston quickly learned that being part of a tall ship crew meant long hours and constant effort. They hoisted and trimmed sails under the hot Caribbean sun, stood watch through the quiet stillness of the night, and took turns at the helm, feeling the immense responsibility of steering such a powerful vessel.

By the time they approached St. Maarten, they stepped ashore not just as participants, but as sailors. They carried with them more than memories; they carried resilience, skills, and a deep appreciation for the sailing tradition they had become part of.

The West Indies Sail Heritage Foundation aims to inspire young people to embrace sailing, discover the ocean and connect with international youngsters. This program fosters appreciation for traditional sailing and maritime heritage, creating lasting memories and connections that celebrate our shared love for the sea. 

We are grateful to our sponsors for making this happen

We extend our sincere thanks to the Captain and Crew of the Blue Clipper and for opening their decks and sharing their knowledge with the next generation of mariners.
This opportunity is made possible through collaboration with Caribbean Sail Training and sponsorship from Sail Training International, whose continued support helps young Caribbean sailors experience life aboard traditional ships.

 

We’re excited to continue this journey together, and we can’t wait to welcome the Blue Clipper back to Antigua next year!

 

 

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Antiguan sail trainees Ryanne and Shanae sailed on traditional brigantine Florette!

 

 

Antiguan sail trainees Ryanne and Shanae sailed on traditional brigantine Florette!

Look at us sailing on the beautiful Florette – Historic tallship sailing ltd

Antiguan sail trainees Ryanne and Shanae accompanied by Charlotte from the West Indies Sail Heritage Foundation went on a sailing adventure from      St Maarten to Antigua on traditional brigantine “Florette” from March 2nd to March 8th, 2024. We learned how to sail a traditional vessel, worked together to hoist the sails, and received lessons in knots, splicing, and whipping. You require GIRL POWER to set the sails and bravery to climb the mast. Thank you, Captain Ron and Florette crew for this great experience.

West Indies Sail Heritage Foundation www.caribwish.com is a member of Caribbean Sail Training and the official representative for sail training in Antigua.

Caribbean Sail Training selects cooperating Tall ships, square riggers, cargo ships, large yachts, and even superyachts and  race boats, that take youngsters on a sail training trip. Many Caribbean youth or their parents may not have the financial means to provide their youngsters with a sail training adventure. CST arranges berths on ships, the funds ( as each sail training vessel needs money to keep working and exist ), and arranges paperwork and communication with the ship.

www.caribbeansailtraining.com

This year the West Indies Sail Heritage Foundation launched the “GO to SEA” program in collaboration with Caribbean Sail Training and with the support of Sail Training International.

The program aims to assist young people in Antigua youngsters in developing sailing and teamwork skills, gaining experience sailing on a Tall Ship, and exploring potential maritime-based career training opportunities, and discovering employment possibilities in the maritime industry.

Sail Training International is providing sail training to young people around the world inspiring them to grow in confidence, rise to challenges, overcome fears, and enjoy the adventure of a lifetime. Sail Training International encourages youth development while supporting efforts towards international friendship and understanding. STI creates opportunities for young people from different backgrounds – especially those with fewer opportunities – to take part in Tall Ships Events through funds and bursaries.

www.sailtraininginternational.org

 

Ryanne and Shanae joined last year the WISH Foundation and participated in Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta on our Carriacou Sloop “New Moon”. Ryanne followed the Women at the Helm Internship program for local Antiguan females at Second Star Sailing Caribbean. Shanae is an instructor at the National Sailing Academy.

Follow us or Call/WhatsApp Billy at +1-268-7763484 from the West Indies Sail Heritage Foundation for more information about sail training and the “GO to SEA” program.

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