20th-27th June. Journey from west Sweden ( Gothenburg) into the southern Baltic as we cruise through this eastern sailing jewel. Ports of call are weather-dependent, but might include the likes of Copenhagen, Gdynia or the island of Bornholm. Expect sheltered seas and summer cruising, with a nice offshore crossing to finish off the trip. Your arrival destination is the Lithuanian port of Klaipeda, where the world's most impressive Tall Ships will be gathering for the famous Tall Ships Races.

This trip is open to all ages 14+, and is suitable for the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award residential. Contact us to find out more! 

Klaipėda is a port city in Lithuania, where the Baltic Sea meets the Danė River. The old town features German-style, 18th-century wood-framed buildings. Theater Square, the city’s main gathering spot, is home to the neoclassical Drama Theater. The square’s 1912 Taravos Anikė sculpture pays tribute to a local poet. The waterside Lithuanian Sea Museum includes dolphin shows and maritime exhibits in a 19th-century fort. The nearest airport to Klaipeda is Palanga International Airport, situated 25 km away from Klaipeda.

More information on available services visit the website. There are also coach connections from Vilnius and Kaunas airports to Klaipeda city. The journey time takes from 2.5 hours to 3.5 hours.

In 2024 Klaipeda will host the first leg of the famous Tall Ships Races, which Excelsior will be competing in. As part of her arrival crew in the port at the start of the festivities, you will have the chance to experience the festival from the centre of the action. Around 100 tall ships from all over Europe and beyond will meet for this exciting event. Depending on timing, you will have the chance to visit the other ships and meet the other crews. Though your journey with Excelsior may end on the 27th June, why not stay on and experience the Tall Ships Festival a few days longer? Find out more about the event here.

Before we set out, we'll give you a thorough briefing on what to expect and how to operate the rig, whilst you get to know your shipmates. You'll learn about planning the navigation, and the intricacies of what's happening with the weather. You'll be divided into your watches, and each team will be responsible for one of 3 4-hour shifts sailing the vessel (helming, navigating, and managing the sail plan), as well as preparing meals for the rest of the crew, and keeping Excelsior shipshape. 

All meals on board are provided, but please let us know of any dietary restrictions in good time so that we can prepare. You'll need to bring with you plenty of warm clothes (including gloves and a hat and wellies, although we can provide some wet weather gear), and a sleeping bag and pillow-case. A full kit list will be issued before the trip.