Bored of the usual? Apply today for your chance to sail on a Tall Ship in July 2025.
The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025 is offering the adventure of a lifetime to young people of all backgrounds aged 15 to 25 and living in an AB post code.
The Tall Ships Races are organised by Sail Training International with the fundamental aims to provide sailing experience and foster international friendship for young people.
You could join the trainee crew from 10 - 21 July to sail from Dunkirk, France to Aberdeen or from 21 July - 2 August to sail from Aberdeen to Kristiansand, Norway.
No prior sailing experience is required and the opportunity is designed to be inclusive, diverse and accessible. There are at least 100 funded places available, as well as the option of self-funding.
“I had the best two weeks of my life sailing across the North Sea for The Tall Ships Races. I only applied because my parents were nagging me. I just wanted to sit on the couch and do nothing but I'm so glad I did it.”
There is an online form you need to complete if you want to be in with a chance of becoming a Sail Trainee.
You’ll be asked for essential information about yourself, as well as whether you require funding support or are self-funding.
You’ll also be asked to write a personal statement about why you want to sail in The Tall Ships Races and what it would mean for you. We may be oversubscribed to applications and this section will be important for the Tall Ships Aberdeen team in deciding who sails.
Applications close 31 January 2025. They are all assessed at the same time - it’s not first come, first served - so you’ve got time to think about your answer.
There are detailed ‘Sail Trainees’ frequently asked questions below and the team can help answer any queries during the application process.
Once you’re application is complete, you’ll find out in February 2025 if you were successful in securing a place to sail on a Tall Ship.
Taking up this once-in-a-lifetime experience should be accessible to everyone, as well as fairly distributing the set amount of funding we have.
A place on the Tall Ships Race as a Sail Trainee costs up to £2,000, which covers all transport, meals, equipment and accommodation.
You can apply for help to pay for your place with our funding programme, or you can choose to fund your own costs. Final costs will be confirmed in due course.
Priority for funded places will be given to those who face the biggest financial barriers, and this is assessed during the application process. Which is why it’s important you answer the questions as honestly as possible – you will have to provide proof for some of the answers later on!
If you choose to self-fund, this can include doing your own fundraising and we can help with ideas and tips for this. And if you apply for funding and aren’t successful, this may be another option to make sure you don’t miss that boat if you’re determined to take part.
The Tall Ships Races are organised annually by Sail Training International. Ships from around the world gather to participate in competitive races, and to share and enjoy the ensuing shoreside festivities and celebrations. These events are youth-focused and bring a huge spectacle to the ports they call at.
Aberdeen previously hosted The Tall Ships Races in 1991 and 1997.
The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025 will be the biggest event in Scotland next year, and is expected to attract 400,000 visits from 19 to 22 July 2025
Around 50 Tall Ships from across the globe with thousands of international crew will descend on the city for the four day festival, which is Europe’s largest free family event.
Quaysides at Port of Aberdeen’s North Harbour and the North end of Union Street will be transformed into a world-class events venue. There will be public access onto ships, parades, awards, live music and much more.
More information on the events programme and site will be communicated in the coming months.
Sign up to the Tall Ships Aberdeen mailing list for more information.
There will be a packed programme of free activities over four days across the city that everyone can access.
More information on the event programme, including any ticketed events, will be communicated in the coming months.
Visit What’s on to see the initial event programme.
Sailing dates for Dunkirk to Aberdeen
Sailing dates for Aberdeen to Kristiansand
No problem – everybody can become an Aberdeen sail trainee!
The experienced crew on board the ships will teach you everything you need to know about life on board: from setting sails to navigating, climbing the masts to daily duties on board, like cleaning the deck or assisting the cook in the galley.
If you do have some sailing experience, you can help the other trainees or learn new things like navigating or tying knots.
A place on the Tall Ships Race as a Sail Trainee costs up to £2,000, which covers all transport, meals, equipment and accommodation.
You can apply for help to pay for your place with our funding programme, or you can choose to fund your own costs. Final costs will be confirmed in due course.
Taking up this once-in-a-lifetime experience should be accessible to everyone, as well as fairly distributing the set amount of funding we have.
Priority for funded places will be given to those who face the biggest financial barriers, and this is assessed during the application process. Which is why it’s important you answer the questions as honestly as possible – you will have to provide proof for some of the answers later on!
If you choose to self-fund, this can include doing your own fundraising and we can help with ideas and tips for this. And if you apply for funding and aren’t successful, this may be another option to make sure you don’t miss that boat if you’re determined to take part.
No, the age to join the Tall Ships Races is a minimum of 15 years at the start of the journey and you cannot be older than 25 at the start of the Race.
Sail trainees are between 15 and 25 years old.
Applicants must be born between 11 July 1999 and 10 July 2010 to be no younger than 15 years old and no older than 25 years old on the date of sail (10 July 2025).
For a funded place, you must live within an AB postcode.
For a self-funded place, you must live in Scotland.
Before you sail, you need to have a valid passport.
Your travel document should be valid for at least three months after the planned return date and should be issued less than 10 years before your departure date.
There will be a basic kit list to help you pack for your journey with tips for clothing and other things to bring.
For some vessels you need to bring your own sleeping bag and towels. Support for getting your basic kit will be available through the trainee funding application.
The language on board most ships is English (and sometimes a mixture of all nationalities present).
The crew speaks English and most teaching and instructions are in English. If you’re not a native English speaker, we’ll just explain it again in a different way or we will look within the group for somebody to translate.
There is no wi-fi on board.
If you participate in the Tall Ships Races, you can use the crew centre in ports, which has wi-fi and computers available for the trainees.
There is no mobile phone reception once you’re further than 20 nautical miles from the shore. Enjoy your digital detox!
In case of emergency, the Ships are equipped with a satellite phone so people at home will be able to reach the ship via the organisation in Aberdeen.
People at home can also follow the Tall Ships Races and the ship you are sailing on via a special Yellow-brick app which info will be provided two weeks in advance of the voyage with the last booking information.
If you are selected as an Aberdeen Trainee, you will be able to indicate three ships, in order of preference.
You will also be able to name one other trainee with whom you’d like to sail.
We will do our best to make sure you are on your first choice of vessel, although it might not always be possible, and could be more difficult if you want to sail together with a friend.
When placing you on a ship we will also take into account things like medical and personal needs, as well as availability of special diets. We will do our best to make sure you have an amazing experience!
Safety on board is always a priority.
All vessels comply with national safety regulations and Sail Training International rules and regulations. You will be taught how to operate the ship safely and in compliance with the rules. Life jackets are available for all participants, as well as lifeboats in accordance with international regulations. All sailors also participate in safety exercises.
Before the competition, all vessels are inspected and must meet the safety requirements.
To join a sailing journey, you are required to have travel insurance which covers medical expenses abroad, loss of luggage and third party liability and includes sea sailing.
Each Tall Ship has a “Protection and Indemnity insurance” that covers you in the event you’re hurt by actions that the crew take (or fail to take).
Your travel insurance should cover your journey from home to the ship and back. Make sure to include the travel days in the insurance coverage, not just the days you are actually on board.
Consider adding cancellation insurance – it’s not mandatory, but it can be useful if you have to change your plans due to unforeseen circumstances.
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.
No problem at all. A lot of people travel by themselves or with a couple of friends.
It’s all part of your journey. On a Tall Ship, getting to know other people takes very little time. Especially when you keep watch together.
There are different nationalities in one watch, which creates diversity and a lot of fun. As an “Aberdeen trainee” you make friends from all over the world for life!
Mention in your application if you would like to sail with a friend and if you are selected as trainees, we will do our best to allow you to sail together.
No, this is not a problem if you let us know when you’re booking.
For A-class ships it’s easier to take into account an individual diet than for B- or C class ships. If you are a vegetarian almost all of the ships can provide meals for you. Halal prepared meat and vegan food is possible on some of the big A-class Ships.
If you are vegan or you need to have a special diet like gluten-free, please mention this at your health form with the final booking so we can make sure you will be placed at a vessel where the cook can prepare the right food for you.
We will arrange group travel for all the sail trainees.
This is included in the price for self-funded trainees and included in the funding for funded trainees.
If you've been through all the FAQs, and your question is still unanswered then do get in touch.
You can email us at trainees@tallshipsaberdeen.com or add it through the website's contact form, directing it to "becoming a sail trainee"
Yes, soon all people from outside the EU (including the UK), will need either a visa or an ETIAS travel authorisation. It’s expected to come into effect in early 2025, but the exact timing is not confirmed yet. You must check the information about ETIAS closer to the journey date (we recommend checking at least two months in advance).
To find out if you will need ETIAS, click here.
In order to do apply, you will need a travel document which is valid for at least 3 months (at the end of the journey), and is no more than 10 years old.
The cost of application at the moment is £7 for travellers aged 18-70. If you’re under 18 or over 70, the application is free.
You will be able to apply on the ETIAS website or mobile app, which will be open soon. Filling out the application is quick and easy. Most applicants will receive their ETIAS travel authorisation within minutes, but in some cases the process may take up to 30 days. This is why you should apply well in advance of your journey to avoid stress.
Go to the official ETIAS website to learn more and apply – click here.
Your application will go into a selection process so we need to get some information from you that shows what sort of person you are. Remember, all we have to go on at this point is what you write on the form.
So this is your chance to demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to joining the crew.
Keep it clear and concise – and don’t just list your hobbies in some AI-generated text, tell us why you enjoy them.
Tell us about times you felt you’d achieved something, learned a new skill or made a difference to someone else. Telling us about experiences you’ve enjoyed can say a lot about you as a person. Or maybe there is something unique or memorable about you that makes you stand out from the crowd.
Or tell us about the experience you would like to have by sailing in the race.
What do you think would be your favourite part?
No experience is required to be a successful applicant.
And remember, we’re looking for reasons to welcome you on board, not reject you!
PS: you don't have to use all 650 words. If you can put across your personality and what motivates you in fewer, that is fine.
You must be aged 16 or older by 1 July 2025.
You should be enthusiastic, able to commit time during the event, and willing to work in a team.
No. We are looking for volunteers with a range of skills, interests and experience.
Volunteers can choose from a variety of roles, including:
Most roles will be a minimum of three eight-hour shifts over the four days of the event.
Some roles may require more commitment or longer shifts than others. This will be confirmed once selection has been made.
There will be some flexibility to include some four-hour shifts and not to have to be available on each of the four days.
Some Liaison Officers will begin working on the event four days prior to the ships arrival in Aberdeen to assist with any early arrivals. In addition, the Liaison Office service will run 24hrs a day until all ships have arrived. It’s requested that Liaison Officer volunteers will be available each day of the event to provide continuity with their allocated ship.
No previous experience is necessary!
Don’t worry, training and briefing sessions will be provided ahead of the event. You’ll be an expert in no time.
You must be able to speak and read English or communicate in British Sign Language.
If you speak a second language, that’s great!
Yes, all volunteers will receive training before the event.
This includes an introduction to the event, health and safety guidelines, and specific instructions for your chosen role. Volunteer shift schedules and essential training will be shared in May and June 2025.
Some roles may require checks. We won’t ask for this information unless it’s required.
We may ask you to provide an identification document and complete a criminal convictions self-declaration as part of the accreditation process. Full information will be provided in time.
Yes, you can volunteer for as many hours as you wish and still claim benefits if you continue to meet the conditions of the benefit you receive.
If you have any concerns, please speak directly to your Department for Work and Pensions office.
Further information can be found on the UK Government website.
Yes, all volunteers will be given an official volunteer uniform, to wear with pride, as well as Accreditation to wear during shifts.
This will help identify you to the public and event staff.
Yes, volunteers may have opportunities to visit the ships, especially if you are assigned to ship liaison officer or similar roles.
However, access to certain areas may be restricted depending on your responsibilities.
Meals will be provided during shifts, but accommodation will not be offered.
Volunteers are responsible for their own lodging arrangements.
Volunteer shift schedules and essential training will be shared May and June 2025.
The volunteer team will be ready on deck to help manage shift changes and any conflicts.
If you are successful in your application, a detailed list of what to bring will be provided closer to event time.
Yes, there will be an Event Centre set up in Aberdeen, where you can check in, get additional information, and ask any questions during your shift.
Although applications are for individuals only, we will do our best to accommodate roles and shifts to friends or groups where possible.
Yes.
Please let us know on your application that you require this so we can put the necessary arrangements in place.
Please let us know, on application, your individual circumstances and we’ll do what we can to ensure you have what you need.
Yes, there may be opportunities to stay involved in event-related activities, community outreach or future maritime events in Aberdeen.
Post-event feedback sessions and celebrations will also be organised for volunteers.
The Volunteer Portal is the central location online where you get access to everything you need to support your volunteer journey.
It is where you apply to be a volunteer, track the status of your application, get access to key information, online training modules and view your roster.
To access your volunteer profile, follow this link >> https://volunteer.tallshipsaberdeen.com
You can reset your password after entering your email address on the login page of the Volunteer Portal.
If you have forgotten which email address is linked to your account, please get in touch and we will be able to help.
If your availability changes, please login to your Volunteer Portal and delete your account.
Alternatively, you can inform the volunteer team as soon as possible at volunteers@tallshipsaberdeen.com
Volunteers will gain valuable experience in event management, hospitality, and teamwork.
You’ll also receive a certificate of participation, volunteer goodies, and the chance to be part of a historic maritime event. Most importantly you’ll make friends and have fun!
If you've been through all the FAQs, and your question is still unanswered then do get in touch.
You can email us at volunteers@tallshipsaberdeen.com or add it through the website's contact form, directing it to "volunteering"
Sponsorship will help us to stage the best event possible in Aberdeen and support the young sail trainees from the city to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
There are a wide range of opportunities available for organisations of all sizes and budgets, with benefits such as branding and media coverage to exclusive onboard parties, VIP access, and volunteering opportunities.
This is a unique event for businesses to align their brand with diverse groups across the city including volunteers, youth organisations, schools, the third sector and more.
Visit Become a sponsor to find out more.
Yes, many of the Tall Ships will be open for public access during their time in Aberdeen.
The Tall Ships races offer life changing experiences for young people, helping them grow in confidence, rise to challenges, overcome fears, make international friendships, and enjoy the adventure of a lifetime.
We will be recruiting 100 young people, aged 15-25 and living in an AB post code, to sail aboard a Tall Ship in 2025, from Dunkirk to Aberdeen or Aberdeen to Kristiansand.
We’re recruiting people from all backgrounds and experiences, with funding and support available, and the application process will open later in 2024.
Visit Become a sail trainee to find out more.
Many of the Tall Ships will be happy to open their decks for private functions which can be catered aboard, or have refreshments brought aboard depending on ship facilities.
Visit Tall Ship hospitality to find out more.
Our inclusive, diverse, and accessible volunteer programme will have a role to suit everyone, from Liaison Officers to Media Assistants, Visitor Experience to Transport Coordinators and much more!
The application process will open later in 2024.
Visit Become a volunteer to find out more.
With four-days of culture and entertainment taking place around the Tall Ships event there will be loads of opportunities to get involved.
Visit Cultural programme to find out more.
With over 400,000 visitors expected, there are exciting commercial opportunities for local businesses, from pop-up retail to food sales and much more!
Visit Commercial trading to find out more.
