By Elesha George
A group of students from Jennings Secondary School, Island Academy, and Antigua State College will soon embark on a unique cultural and maritime adventure as part of the “Set Sail in the Wake of Tradition” program.
Launched by the West Indies Sail Heritage Foundation (WISH) Inc. with support from Caribbean Sail Training, the two-day initiative pairs local youth with 22 Swedish sail trainees who serve as mentors and watch leaders.
The Swedish trainees will demonstrate techniques for operating traditional square‐rigged vessels, while the Antiguans will learn essential sailing skills—from hoisting sails and coiling lines to steering and understanding wind directions—along with insights into maritime history.
Each day kicks off with a ferry ride to the Gunilla, followed by an introductory tour and a full day of hands-on sailing exercises that promise an active, immersive experience rather than a leisurely cruise.
Charlotte Hooijdonk, CEO of the West Indies Sail Heritage Foundation, described the program as a chance to build friendships, develop skills, and deepen the connection between Caribbean and Swedish maritime traditions.
“The Swedish students, they stay on the boat for three months and they sail in the Caribbean and one of the things, what is very difficult, is to get in contact with local youngsters.”
Originally from the Netherlands, Hooijdonk has also been a strong advocate for integrating swimming into Antigua’s school curriculum. “You feel how wonderful it is to be out on the ocean,” she noted, adding that mastering swimming and sailing can open up many career opportunities and adventures that are rarely considered in the Caribbean. “We try to share the love for the ocean and the love for sailing with the youngsters here.”
Beyond the onboard experience, the initiative embraces environmental activism and cultural exchange through its “Classroom to Community” component. While Antiguans take to the seas, Swedish trainees will engage in onshore activities designed to raise awareness about ocean conservation. “We love the ocean and we all know that the ocean is in danger because of all the plastic pollution. And then we thought, yes, if we teach youngsters how to sail and how to love the ocean, then we also have to teach them that the pollution of plastic is a very, very big threat to every ocean in the whole world,” Hooijdonk explained.
Program highlights include:
Plastic Upcycling Workshop: Organized by WISH to promote sustainable practices and reduce plastic waste.
Beach Clean-Up: In partnership with Adopt a Coastline, aimed at protecting Antigua’s coastlines.
Historical Tour of Nelson’s Dockyard: Offering insights into the island’s rich maritime heritage and Admiral Nelson’s naval legacy.
In addition to this event, the WISH Foundation offers the Second Star Sailing course—a program that builds water confidence, provides hands-on sailing experience, and lays the groundwork for future careers in the maritime industry. Run in collaboration with several regional organizations, the course teaches both traditional and modern sailing skills.
“Let’s be honest; not everyone really, really loves the ocean but I think that it starts with you having to be able to swim and be confident in the water. That’s I think is the first part to learn and to do.”
By developing essential swimming and sailing skills and showcasing potential maritime career paths, the initiative aims to inspire young people to explore opportunities within the maritime sector through early exposure and training.
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