Skonnerten Jylland: outstanding contribution to sail training
At The Tall Ships Races 2014, one ship has continued it’s outstanding contribution to sail training.
The Tall Ships races and regattas are organised to promote youth development – but the work being carried out on board Danish ship Skonnerten Jylland is second to none in terms of the positive impact it has on young people’ lives.
Built in 1951, this charming class B schooner’ homely look hints at the fact that, for her trainees, this ship is more than somewhere to go on an escapist adventure.
A handful of young men currently live on the vessel, training and learning about sailing like any other trainees. The difference for those who train on Skonnerten Jylland is that they are there through court order, given the choice of juvenile detention or living, working and learning aboard the ship.
The length of their stay is decided by the system that recommends them for work with Jylland – and trainees can stay for years. But before they can get on board and begin working, the trainees are set a course on the ships land base, preparing them for what to expect on board. During their stay, they study for regular qualifications as well as learning about how to sail the vessel. The trainees and crew eat and cook together in the galley and there are six single berths on board for trainees to sleep in.
The permanent crew are well versed in dealing with disadvantaged young people and between them represent years of experience as well as many qualifications in psychotherapy, specialised education and social work. On top of this, and tying all these great qualities back to the ship, is a wealth of sailing expertise and knowledge, the core of which helps these young people find a new path with their time aboard.
Paul Bishop, Race Director, Sail Training International said (STI), “STI is extremely proud to have a ship like Skonnerten Jylland participating in its events doing such important work to such a high standard.”
In the September issue of The Masthead, we talk to a young man whose life has been turned 180 degrees during his two years on this very special ship. We discuss life on board, the strong bonds that form on the ship and what life on board is like.
Want to know more? The Masthead is Sail Training International’ e-magazine, bringing together stories and news from the world of tall ships and sail training. In the September issue we will be talking to a young man whose life has been turned 180 degrees during his two years on this very special ship. We discuss life on board, the strong bonds that form on the ship and what life on board is like.
Subscribe to receive the September edition of The Masthead here.
News from the port
The fleet of Tall Ships Races 2014 is currently in Bergen, Norway – departing tomorrow (Sunday 27 July) for a Parade of Sail before sailing north for the official race start of the final race leg to Esbjerg, Denmark. Weather conditions promise favourable wind and waves for the Parade – but possibly some showers and thunder.
Follow the Bergen event on Twitter and Instagram #tsrb2014
