The tailor-made program is run by West Island International College, and it even results in an academic degree recognised by the Canadian Ministry of Education. There are three academic levels of trainees living onboard: students in their final years of high school, those going into their first year of university, and then the gap year students who follow a tailor-made program as university preparation. The spaces are in such high demand, there is a waiting list to fill the free bunks! Not only do the parents sign a contract, but the students need to demonstrate their motivation before being accepted for the program. There are a number of rules to comply with on board, and unfortunately some trainees were caught smoking or drinking, so these students had to be sent home. They often feel excited to get on board, then realise just how much work is actually involved! The academic year is divided into two semesters, and a minority of trainees only sign on for a single term. The number of young trainees, aged between 15-18 years old, varies within the program as it can be challenging for them to stay away from home for such a long period. The multinational crew consists of 50-60 teenaged trainees, 10 maritime crew, 7 academic staff, a school director, and a Medical Officer. When the subject comes up during conversation, the curiosity and questions surrounding the concept are typically the following: Since 1990, I had dreamed to work for the program, and though for many years I sent several CVs, but never imagined that one day I would become captain at Class Afloat. Have you ever heard of a school sailing around the world?Ä«etween 20, I had the fantastic opportunity to command a Sail Training Vessel with an entire high school on board for 375 days, and a total of 27.245 Nm.
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