Flying Fifteen Fleet’s Visit to the STV Sørlandet

As preparations for the club’s annual lift-in got underway, Flying Fifteen fleet members participating in the Frostbite series temporarily relocated their boats to the Carlisle Pier, with kind permission from Tim Ryan of DLRCC. This move provided fleet members with the unique opportunity to admire, up close, the latest tall ship to visit Dun Laoghaire Harbour—the magnificent STV Sørlandet.

Upon approach by our Commodore, Peter Sherry, Captain Ulf Hed of the Sørlandet warmly welcomed the fleet aboard, offering them a brief but fascinating tour of the ship. Members learned that the Sørlandet is the world’s oldest and most authentic fully-rigged ship still in active service. Built in Kristiansand, Norway, in 1927, the ship was originally used to train young people for the merchant marine. However, as the need for traditional seaman training declined in the 1970s, the ship opened its doors to the general public, offering training voyages to people of all ages and backgrounds.

With a permanent crew of 15 and up to 60 trainees on board, the 850-ton vessel operates over a 10-month season, providing hands-on sailing experience for trainees aged 15 to 70, from all nationalities and both sexes. It was a fascinating glimpse into life aboard one of the world’s great sailing ships.

As a gesture of gratitude for the captain’s hospitality, Commodore Sherry presented a National Yacht Club Burgee to Captain Hed—a fitting symbol of the connection between two proud sailing traditions.

The visit was a wonderful opportunity for fleet members and an intriguing insight into the world of tall ships.

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