More than sailing: How MS Shamrock helps young people grow and thrive

For more than 40 years, the school ship MS Shamrock has welcomed young people on board for a sailing adventure they will never forget. The organisation Skeppsholmsgården is behind this fantastic initiative, which is supported by Wallenius Marine. During 28 days at sea, hundreds of 15–20-year-olds get the chance to learn about sailing, seamanship and, in most cases, about life itself.

“We usually say that the young people come on board as one person and leave as another. And many of the participants also go on to become seafarers in the future,” says Kristoffer Strandfeldt, who is responsible for Skeppsholmsgården.

Wallenius Marine has also contributed survival suits and other safety equipment: “The help we receive is extremely valuable. Investing in young people’s well-being is investing in the future.”

Anyone between 15 and 20 can apply for the summer sailings with MS Shamrock.

“That age is an important time in a person’s life, when you transition from being a child to becoming an adult. Some participants come to us via the Red Cross. A few years ago, we had three unaccompanied refugees who sailed with us. For them, the voyage was a great way to integrate with other young people. The year after, two of them returned as leaders,” Kristoffer says with a broad smile.

The opportunity to sail with MS Shamrock has also been offered to tenants of Soya Group’s property company Hässelby Hem.