The Ship, Sørlandet
It’s always exciting when a tall ship arrives in port. There is something so majestic about the way they slip into harbour, often appearing with impressive stealth for something so big and complex. So, we were very excited to find a three-masted square rigger sitting in Tanja Marina Bay last week. And upon closer inspection we realised that we were actually looking at a very historic boat indeed.
The Norwegian heritage ship, Sørlandet, is one of very few full-rigged ships left in the world. This Class A vessel was delivered in 1927 and she has led a fascinating life ever since. From her original beginnings as an education vessel for navy seamen, she was seized by the Germans and sustained a lot of damage during World War II, only to be fully restored in the 1970s and put back into service. (Read more about Sørlandet’s history here.) Her long career as a training vessel continues to this day, under the care of the Stiftelsen Fullriggeren Sørlandet Foundation. When she is not participating in summer regattas or hosting weddings and other events, this grand old lady now spends nine months of the year travelling the globe as a boarding school. Yep, that’s right. This is a school with a difference.
So imagine our delight when, on a wing and a prayer, we were actually able to secure a private tour of this beautiful vessel. On a sunny Thursday afternoon, whilst the students were on shore leave for the day, we stepped aboard and were warmly welcomed by the Captain and Bosun. While our children gawped as crew members effortlessly scaled a mast to reinstate some sails, we learnt more about the Sørlandet’s history and the man who moved mountains (and bureaucratic paperwork) - buying the ship not once, but twice - to secure her rights as a national treasure and save her from being sold out of Norway.
We were then given a full personal tour of A+ World Academy by one of the students currently studying aboard. Along with the dozen professional crew on board, there are also six faculty members accompanying the 60 students around the globe. Parents are invited to visit during the year at so-called “Parent Ports” if they wish.
As we marvelled at the complex rigging and beautiful wooden surrounds of this piece of history, we were shown all the inner workings of this floating high school. Students sleep in hammocks that are hung aside each morning to reveal wooden desks and storage benches that act as both the classroom and the mess hall. But the students don’t just conduct traditional studies in this school. They are also an integral part to the workings of the ship. Students keep watch on deck in shifts, help with navigation, manage the galley, conduct maintenance and clean the ship.
Along with school studies and the daily rigours of running such a large ship, students also get the opportunity to enter different cultures and communities around the globe. Visiting varied and sometimes remote places to gain experience, knowledge and insight. The culmination of this non-traditional setting hopes to send capable, resilient and well-rounded young adults out into the world to become grounded global citizens and involved community members. All the things we hope our own children will become through their experiences of living aboard Long Summer and travelling the world by boat.
We sincerely thank the crew and faculty of Sørlandet, the Fullriggeren Sørlandet Foundation and A+ World Academy, for their time and generosity in showing us around your very impressive boat school. We wish you fair winds and following seas to your next port of call, Las Palmas, and beyond!
