The Danish sail training tall ship Georg Stage has anchored in Dublin Bay, bringing what its operators describe as the “world’s oldest” sail training tradition to Irish waters.
The Class A tall ship is operated by the Georg Stage Memorial Foundation and is currently at sea with 63 trainees and a permanent crew of 12.
Built in 1934 at Frederikshavn, the fully rigged vessel measures just over 42 metres in length with a mast height of 22.86 metres. It continues to serve as a practical training platform for young people pursuing careers at sea.
The foundation states its aim is “to give young people wishing to go to sea, their first lesson in practical seamanship aboard a purpose-built training ship”.
The current ship continues a legacy dating back to 1882, when the original Georg Stage was launched in Copenhagen. The vessel was funded by shipowner Frederik Stage and his wife Thea in memory of their son.
According to the foundation, it is “the world’s oldest active training institution of its kind”, a claim reflected in the ship’s long-standing annual training voyages.
Training programmes typically last five months, after which participants can enter the merchant navy with internationally recognised qualifications.
Since 1981, both male and female trainees have been accepted. Instruction is conducted in Danish, with language support available for non-native speakers.
The vessel has also participated in major international events organised by Sail Training International, including Tall Ships Races anniversaries.
Its presence in Dublin Bay underlines the continued role of sail training in maritime education and international exchange.
