Six trainees who sailed from Lisbon, Portugal to The Tall Ships Races 2016 Cadiz, Spain in the second race leg give us an insight into their experience.
Carmen Peñalver – Spanish – 15 years old. On board Statsraad Lehmkuhl (Norway)
Have you sailed before?
No, but I have attended various courses offered by the city of Cádiz on navigation.
About the food
My ship had some very good cooks, which offered a wide variety of food to the entire crew. Best of all was the sauces.
About the experience
Thanks to The Tall Ships Races, I learnt more about myself, partly by isolation as I had no connection with any family. At the beginning it was a little hard – getting used to living on the high seas is no easy task. But, little by little, I got to know the entire crew and now I don’t want to leave. I enjoyed the whole experience and the emotion that you feel while sailing is amazing. All my expectations have been met – it was wonderful.
I would recommend this to everyone, and especially to young people who want to expand their borders, mind and improve their language skills.
Loïc Gueguen – French – 18 years old. Sailed on board Hosanna (France)
About the food
It varies, from fajitas to pasta and it’s all good. Lunch was at 12:30 and dinner was at 1700.
About the experience
I have spoken different languages and the experience has been amazing. I have made new friends and, without a doubt, I would recommend participating in The Tall Ships Races to everyone.
Solve Meisingset – Norwegian – 18 years old. Sailed on board Statsraad Lehmkuhl (Norway)
About the food
Breakfast is big and rich because we have to work many hours and lunch and dinner is filling and good.
About the experience
I had never sailed before, so this was my first time. It has been a very good trip. I started in Lisbon and will finish my adventure in A Coruña. I will recommend this experience to all my friends.
Jonas Gruber – German – 16 years old. Sailed on Alexander Von Humboldt II (Germany)
About the food
Meal times were European, so we had lunch at 12:00 and dinner at 17:00. I ate everything and the menu was perfect. For example, at breakfast time we could choose from five different types of bread. So – everything has been great.
About the experience
I sailed from Lisbon to Cadiz and on the high seas we saw dolphins and sharks. I have made many new friends and it’s all thanks to my grandfather who encouraged me to take part – he has always loved sailing and everything to do with marine life. Without a doubt, it has been one of the best experiences of my life and I would love to do it again.
David Cahir – Northern Ireland – 19 years old. Sailed on Alexander Von Humboldt II (Germany)
About the food
There was always dessert after lunch and dinner and what made me most excited was the cake – the ship cooks were very good.
About the experience
Everyone was so nice and it was so enjoyable to be surrounded by the sea 24 hours a day. One afternoon we found a lot of rubbish just floating in the middle of the ocean and we collected it and put it on the ship. As well as learning how to sail, it’s also very important to protect the environment. I recommend this adventure to everyone, especially to young people.
Pastor Francesc Canet – Spanish – 23 years old. Sailed on Tartessos (Spain)
About the food
I like to try different sorts of good, but on Tartessos is was typically Spanish.
About the experience
I have been lucky enough to sail before and so knew that these types of events were organized – I just had to wait until The Tall Ships Races came to Spain. It was all brilliant – I loved meeting new people, improving my language and most of all just having a fantastic time.