2026 Scheme Open, Apply Now!

Stage one of the selection process will take place in April, with trainees learning the ropes aboard Shetland's own tall ship, Swan. These taster days, sailing the waters around Shetland, give a glimpse into life at sea and an understanding of what to expect from a longer sail training experience.

16 of these young Shetlanders will then go onto stage two, participating in an inspiring, action-packed voyage, taking part in Race 3 of the Tall Ship Races 2026. Sailing between Stavanger in Norway and Aalborg in Denmark these longer trips offer the opportunity for international travel, friendships and festivals in host ports.

Melanie Henderson, Chair of Sail Training Shetland, explains more: “Our taster day sails aboard Swan are very popular, and provide a great training experience for up to 40 young people. We will then select 16 of these trainees to take part in Race 3 of the Tall Ships Races 2026, with six young people being placed aboard the Norwegian tall ship Sørlandet and 10 aboard Shetland's tall ship Swan. We are looking for trainees across the age range of 15 - 25 to take part in the Tall Ships Races.”

Absolutely no sailing experience is needed to take part in either the day sails or the Tall Ships Races, just a keen sense of adventure and a willingness to try something new. Trainees work under the guidance of the ship’s crew to learn a wide range of hands-on skills, such as watch-keeping, setting sails and other on-board domestic duties.

Those taking part in the Tall Ships Races will leave Shetland on 23rd July to travel out to Norway and join their ships. Trainees aboard the Sørlandet will have an 11 night experience, including travelling back to Shetland from Denmark. Those aboard Swan will sail back to Shetland with the ship, enjoying a slightly longer 14 night experience.

Taking part in the Tall Ships Races give trainees a much more immersive experience, with a good mix of sailing days and in port celebrations. They will meet young people from all over the world, and take part in a range of sailing and in port activities which promote Sail Training International’s values of international friendship and understanding.

Freyja Tait, who was a sail trainee in 2023 and 2025, and joined the Sail Training Shetland committee last year, would encourage anyone thinking about applying to do it: “It is such an amazing experience, you make so many new friends and the experiences and memories will last a lifetime. I gained lots more confidence, independence and a new found sense of adventure. The entire voyage was life changing in so many ways! I would encourage everyone to apply, you won’t regret it.”

Sail Training Shetland has supported nearly 600 trainees to date, offering day sails free of charge and heavily subsidised Tall Ships Races experiences. Experiences are delivered by a small volunteer committee and rely on strong local, and industry backing to promote, manage and fund the programme. This year’s supporters include Boskalis Westminster Limited, Shetland Islands Council, Lerwick Port Authority, Sail Yell and main sponsor Arven Offshore Wind Farm, whose continued commitment makes the annual sail training opportunities possible.

Victor Sandison, Treasurer of Sail Training Shetland, said: “We would like to thank our supporters, without whom we could not offer these life changing experiences for our young people."

Anyone can support our trainee opportunities by making a donation through our Local Giving page. We woud also welcome enquiries from potential sponsors.

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Applications close 5pm Friday 27 March 2026