In a collaborative effort to celebrate maritime heritage and foster cultural exchange, the West Indies Sail Heritage (WISH) Foundation is once again partnering with the Swedish tall ship Gunilla to present the “Set Sail in the Wake of Tradition” program.
Taking place on March 6–7, 2026, this initiative aims to introduce Antiguan youth to the art of traditional square-rigged sailing while creating meaningful connections with Swedish sail trainees.
This year, 40 students from Jennings Secondary School and the Antigua & Barbuda College of Advanced Studies (ABCAS) will set sail for an unforgettable day aboard the tall ship Gunilla. Under the guidance of experienced Swedish trainees and crew, participants will hoist sails and experience life at sea on a majestic, traditional square-rigged vessel.
While one group of Antiguan students takes to the water, the Swedish trainees will spend the day ashore participating in the “Classroom to Community” initiative. This program is designed to provide visiting trainees with a deeper understanding of Antigua’s culture and history through a guided tour of Nelson’s Dockyard, along with participation in the WISH Foundation’s environmental project:
“Ocean Love – No Plastic, No Waste.”
Additional Sail Training Opportunity
The excitement begins even before Gunilla arrives.
The three-masted tall ship Blue Clipper will anchor in Falmouth Harbour, Antigua, where two sail trainees from the WISH Foundation will join the vessel for a sail training voyage from Antigua to St. Maarten.
Working alongside an experienced crew, trainees will:
Hoist and trim sails
Steer the vessel
Stand watch
Assist in the galley
Inspiring the Next Generation
The West Indies Sail Heritage Foundation is dedicated to inspiring young people to embrace sailing, explore the ocean, and connect with peers from around the world.
Programs like this foster an appreciation for traditional sailing and maritime heritage while creating lasting memories and international friendships. The experience of hoisting sails and working as a crew builds confidence, teamwork, and a lifelong connection to the sea.
Sponsors
Tall Ship Gunilla – www.ockerogymnasieskola.se
Tall Ship Blue Clipper – https://www.maybe-sailing.com/ship/blue-clipper/
Caribbean Sail Training – www.caribbeansailtraining.com
Sail Training International – https://sailtraininginternational.org/sailtraining/
Antigua & Barbuda National Parks – www.nationalparksantigua.com
Media Contact
For inquiries or to learn more about this unique sailing exchange program, please contact:h
Charlotte Hooijdonk
Email: charlotte.hooijdonk@caribwish.com
Phone: +1-268-776-3485
WhatsApp: +31-6-10505640
About the Participants
West Indies Sail Heritage Foundation Inc.
The WISH Foundation is a registered non-profit organization in Antigua that provides sail training to Antiguan youth aboard its traditional Carriacou sloop, New Moon. Each year, young sailors participate as a race crew in the Classic Yacht Regatta.
The foundation encourages youth to pursue education and maritime careers while instilling a lifelong respect for maritime heritage and environmental stewardship.
Website: www.caribwish.com
Tall Ship Gunilla
Launched in 1940 as a long-haul cargo vessel, Gunilla later served briefly as a ferry before continuing cargo operations until the 1990s. In 1997, she was fully rebuilt as a three-masted barque.
Today, she operates as part of a Swedish college program, where students aged 18–19 spend approximately 60 days at sea each year, learning sailing, teamwork, and global awareness.
Website: https://www.ockerogymnasieskola.se
Tall Ship Blue Clipper
Built in 1991 in Sweden, Blue Clipper is a three-masted gaff-rigged schooner acquired by Maybe Sailing in 2016. After extensive refurbishment, she participated in the 2017 Rendez-Vous Tall Ships Regatta.
Life aboard Blue Clipper is fully immersive—trainees become active crew members, participating in all aspects of shipboard life, from sailing operations to daily duties. Many arrive as strangers and leave as part of a close-knit crew family.
