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⛵ Europe · France / Spain / Portugal

The Tall Ships Races (sail training)

LEARN to sail a tall ship as trainee crew: handle sails, steer and keep watch.

Learn the skill
8 Jul–1 Aug 2027Next date
None listedNext deadline / key date
July-August (2027 series dates published by the organiser)Usual timing
Rotating ports (2027: Bordeaux, A Coruña, Sines)Where
01 · How to take part

Your way in

Book a trainee berth on a participating ship through Sail Training International or the ship itself; no sailing experience needed.

Learn the skill

Sail as a trainee on a tall ship

Book a berth as trainee crew on a ship in the race fleet. You do not need sailing experience: each ship has a permanent crew, and you take your turn at hoisting sails, steering and maintenance in a watch system.

You build or use
LEARN to sail a tall ship as trainee crew: handle sails, steer and keep watch
Participation
Learn (trainee crew)
Entry and deadlines
Trainees are mainly aged 15-25; each ship sets its own booking terms, ages and kit list
Where
Rotating ports (2027: Bordeaux, A Coruña, Sines), France / Spain / Portugal
02 · Dates

Dates and deadlines, Jan 2026 to Dec 2027

Usual timing: July-August (2027 series dates published by the organiser). Dates are only shown where a source publishes them; everything else is marked TBC.

  • 8 Jul–1 Aug 2027The Tall Ships Races 2027: Bordeaux, A Coruña, SinesSail Training International: 8 Jul-1 Aug 2027. Bordeaux 8-11 Jul, A Coruña 16-19 Jul, Sines 29 Jul-1 Aug. · sourceLearn the skill

See it on the calendar →

03 · Skills you'll need

Skills you'll need

What to learn and practise before you go. Each resource is marked Official or Community-accepted and names its publisher. Difficulty and prep time are our estimate.

Core skill

Watch-keeping: working in a team that takes turns running the ship day and night

Also useful:

  • Sail handling, steering and line handling under the permanent crew's guidance
  • Living aboard: sharing a bunk space, packing light and keeping to the ship's routines
Difficulty our estimateBeginner
Prep time our estimatea few evenings to read the guides and pack

Difficulty and prep time are Curiosta editorial estimates for a first-timer, not organiser figures.

Refresher

  1. No sailing experience is needed: each ship has a permanent crew that teaches you the ropes.
  2. Life on board runs on a watch system: each day is divided into watches, and a team of crewmates takes responsibility in turn.
  3. Pack in a soft, foldable bag or rucksack, not a suitcase: there is no room for it by your bunk.
  4. Trainees are mainly aged 15-25, with some older people; check the ship's own age and booking terms before you choose a voyage.
  5. Ships range from Class C or D vessels with a handful of sleepers to Class A tall ships with 100 or more, and a voyage may be a Race Leg or a Cruise-in-Company: read the booking guide to see which suits you.

Practise before you go

  • Read the 'A day on board' page so the watch routine is familiar before you join.
  • Work through the kit list and test-pack a soft bag.
  • Try a day sail or a taster session with a local sailing club if you can.

Safety notes

  • Follow the ship's crew and the safety briefing at all times.
  • Pack warm layers and waterproofs from the kit list.
  • Check each ship's own medical and age rules before booking.

Resources

Officialofficial event page

The Tall Ships Races 2027

The three 2027 host ports and their dates.

Publisher: Sail Training International (organiser)

Officialofficial booking guide

A guide to booking your voyage

How to choose a ship and book a trainee berth.

Publisher: Sail Training International (organiser)

Officialofficial guide

A day on board

The watch system, meals and daily routine.

Publisher: Sail Training International (organiser)

Officialofficial kit list

Kit list

What to pack, and why a soft bag.

Publisher: Sail Training International (organiser)

All skills guides

04 · Check before you go

What we could and couldn't confirm

Before you book

  • Trainees are mainly aged 15-25, with some older people; each ship sets its own terms, so check the ship's own page.
  • Pack in a soft bag, not a suitcase: space on board is tight.
  • The 2027 series runs 8 Jul-1 Aug: Bordeaux 8-11 Jul, A Coruña 16-19 Jul, Sines 29 Jul-1 Aug.
  • Costs are not listed on Nomad. Check them, and the latest dates, on the official site.
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