Hey ho, let’s go: The Tall Ships leave Bergen and a trainee tale

A spectacular and atmospheric closing ceremony took place in Bergen last night (Saturday 27 July) to round off the festivities in the third port of The Tall Ships Races 2014 in majestic style.  

Today, the fleet undocked from the harbour and set off for the traditional Parade of Sail before heading north to prepare for the official race start to Esbjerg, Denmark tomorrow morning.  

A crew change-over over the last few days means that many of the crew will be new trainees – embarking on their first sail training voyage.  A trainee from Statsraad Lehmkuhl, who sailed for the first time in their life in the Cruise in Company from Fredrikstad to Bergen, reports on what these new trainees might expect from their experience. 

Cruising on Lehmkuhl: a trainee insight

A Cruise-in-Company means that you stop off at several ports, taking a leisurely pace with the sailing and using it as an opportunity to meet other trainees from other vessels.  Statsraad Lehmkuhl, a magnificent Class A three-masted barque, would be arriving in her home port of Bergen on the year of her 100th anniversary, making this a special voyage to be a part of. Here’ a brief summary of how my first ever sailing trip went and some of my thoughts on how to make the most out of the adventure of a lifetime.

About watches …

For a sail training vessel, the work is done by dividing the whole group into watches. On board Lehmkuhl, these watches are at set times, four hours on, eight hours off. My watch hours were four-eight, meaning from 0400-0800 and 1600-2000, we would be charged with the duties of the ship as well as pulling ropes when any sails needed setting or adjusting. Between these times, eating, sleeping and grabbing some relaxation time are the order of the day.

Whilst each ship will vary slightly in their approach to watches, they will all have similar systems and to make the most out of your time on board, get stuck in and give everything a go. There will be someone to help you every step of the way, so the best way to learn is by doing and most importantly, taking part in activities from climbing the rigging to helping out in the galley.  It’s all great fun. 

About getting involved …

I don’t know where else you can get a chance to watch the sun rise from a vantage point of 48 metres up, with the ocean spread out in all directions below, or when else you’d learn how to rig a ships sails to keep it steady in the water; or escape the relentless heat of the sun beaming down by going for a quick dip in the vast waters. These are just a couple of the totally unique things you can get up to on a trip on a Tall Ship, but you won’t enjoy it as much if you just sit and watch!

Between duties of fire watch, lookout, bouywatch and taking charge at the helm, we were given lessons on sailing theory, how to tie all kinds of useful knots and best practices around the ship. For someone without any knowledge at all of sailing, this was invaluable and even for those with more previous experience on a ship, there was much to be learned from the knowledgeable permanent crew. Full of top characters with fantastic senses of humour, these expert sailors were all great teachers who made learning the ropes a highlight of the trip.

The work itself is a key part of what makes you feel like you’re part of a team and what brings you closer and forms that special bond with your fellow trainees. Getting to the know the individual strengths and weaknesses of those on your team, helping each other overcome challenges a