When you set course as an Aberdeen sail trainee, your official rank on board is that of trainee.
A trainee is non-professional crew member on board a Sail Training vessel, sailing the ship together with professional crew members.
Going sailing for the first time is a scary prospect, but the crew will make sure that you will feel right at home after only a couple of days on board.
At sea, you keep watch. That is more than just looking out over the water in search of land.
During Tall Ships Races, the watch-keepers from different countries are mixed as much as possible. Every watch-keeper has duty several times (twice) a day. For example, your watch could be from 08.00 to 12.00 hours and from 20.00 to 24.00 hours. On board, every day is different. The weather, the wind, the view. From sunshine to rain, and from dolphins swimming along the bow to a beautiful sunset.
During watch, you are responsible for the ship, together with the rest of the watch-keepers and the professional crew. Manoeuvering, on some boats climbing the masts, setting the sails, making coffee or providing a snack. Usually, there is a three-watch system aboard.
Stand at the helm and feel the rush of power from steering a huge Tall Ship all on your own.
Check your position and plot it on the sea chart. You’re a bit closer to your destination but the wind seems to be changing. What’s next?
On some boats you climb the mast to unfurl more sails and take a moment to admire the view from 20m high. Get back on deck and take charge of raising the sail with your fellow trainees – teamwork is the key and your confidence is growing.
Life below deck varies between the boats but you will have a small space to call your own and sleep in a cabin with some other people. On some boats, cooking and cleaning is also part of your role.