We hear from: Cécile, a trainee in 2022

My story began back in 2021: I was selected as a youth ambassador for The Tall Ships Races that were coming to Antwerp the following year. When I first stepped aboard sailing ship Thalassa, I was introduced to the purity of sailing. I forged friendships with people from all over Europe. Once you're on board, you leave the outside world behind and become reliant on yourself and your fellow trainees.

“That voyage changed my life.”

You learn to work together as a team, because, after all, you cannot steer a ship alone. Without any prior knowledge, we learned how to keep the ship sailing, and that created an incredible bond. You also experience what it means to be truly disconnected from the world – no social media, no distractions, just nature and the endless sea around you. There's nothing more magical than watching the sun rise and set while surrounded by nothing but open water.

This journey actually changed my life. I felt so at home at sea that I decided to change course, literally and figuratively. The Tall Ships Races made me discover my true passion. I decided to give up my nursing studies and started studying nautical sciences at the Antwerp Maritime Academy.

“Being a mentor allowed me to pass on my passion.”

But for me, the Tall Ship story fortunately didn't end there. The year after my first voyage under sail on board the Thalassa, I got the chance to be an onboard mentor during The Tall Ships Races 2022 in Antwerp. This was a very special experience because I was able to pass on my passion to others. Enabling young people to discover that same love for sailing and experience that unique journey together is something that stays with you forever.

"Right where I'm supposed to be."

This experience not only shaped me as a sailor, but also as a person. You learn to persevere, take responsibility and trust your teammates. You discover qualities in yourself that you didn't know you had. And if there's one thing I want to let other people know, it is this: have the courage to follow your heart and dare to take on new challenges. You never know where it will take you, but it may take you exactly where you're supposed to be.

I think that it's fantastic that The Tall Ships Races are returning to Antwerp and that a new generation of young people will have the same opportunity. Thank you to everyone who makes these races possible. To Balthazar Events, the City of Antwerp and Port of Antwerp-Bruges. To STI and the amazing crews, and to the people who encouraged me to take this step.

I hope to meet you all somewhere at sea someday!