Block apprentices
An apprentice sailor is a participant aged between 15 and 25 who takes part in the race as part of the crew. The aim is to encourage young people to discover sailing, life at sea and teamwork.
200 young apprentice sailors aged between 15 and 25 from the Dunkirk urban area will be taking part in the race, and the adventure will be entirely funded by the Dunkirk Urban Community.
No, no previous sailing experience is necessary to become an apprentice sailor. Each participating vessel has a crew, and the aim is to give beginners a chance to discover the sea.
You can register via the online registration form.
Make sure you meet the participation and funding criteria and provide all the required documents.
Costs vary according to the ship, the length of participation and the itineraries. The Communauté urbaine de Dunkerque is paying the full cost of the sea adventure for the 200 young people (apprentice sailors aged 15 to 25).
The duration depends on the section of the race you are taking part in. Depending on the itinerary chosen, either: Le Havre-Dunkerque from 6 to 12 July 2025 or Dunkerque-Aberdeen from 12 to 21 July 2025? *for those over 18.
As an apprentice deckhand, you will be part of the crew and have various responsibilities, such as :
- Taking part in manoeuvres (hoisting and lowering sails, for example).
- Keeping watch (working in rotation to ensure round-the-clock sailing).
- Assisting the crew with ship maintenance.
- Taking part in life on board: cooking, cleaning, etc.
This is an excellent way to learn about navigation and teamwork.
Sailing on tall ships is physically demanding, but the young sailors are supervised by experienced crews who ensure their safety.
The boats are equipped with safety equipment, and you will receive training at the start of the race to familiarise you with safety procedures.
Although it is not a strict obligation, knowing how to swim is strongly recommended if you want to take part in the race safely.
Life on board is very communal. You'll share cabins with other young sailors and be part of a team where everyone has to take part in daily tasks, such as cooking and cleaning, as well as sailing.
It's an opportunity to meet people from different cultures and make new friends.
By taking part in the Tall Ship Race, you will learn a variety of skills, such as :
- The basics of sailing.
- Teamwork and stress management.
- Respect for safety rules at sea.
- Adapting to living and working conditions at sea, which are often different from those on land.
Good physical condition is recommended, as some tasks can be physically demanding (such as hoisting sails).
However, the race is open to everyone, and some tasks can be adapted to suit participants' abilities.
Taking part in the Tall Ship Race can be an excellent first step for those wishing to pursue a maritime career. Although the race itself does not lead to official certification, the experience gained can be recognised and valued in certain maritime training courses.
English is generally the main language used on board participating ships, as the Tall Ship Race is an international event.
However, the crews of some ships also speak their national language, such as French, Spanish or German.
If you are aged between 15 and 25 and live in the CUD area, your adventure will be paid for by the Communauté urbaine de Dunkerque.
If you have any other questions or specific concerns, don't hesitate to ask Justine!