>>2283364I got into tall ships this year, age 25. A lot of teenagers but the folks who stick with it and are reliable tend to be older for obvious reasons. The tall ship community is dependent on volunteers because shit is expensive so most ships will be happy to take you. If you have nothing else holding you back and you enjoy it you might be able to volunteer long term as well. You won't get paid but accomodation and food should be included and depending on where in the world you are I believe you can gather hours as a volunteer to later be able to crew proper, eventually supplementing with additional education.
I will say that tall ships are a very different beast from small boats. Having experience in one won't necessarily help you in the other and the are a lot of false friends when it comes to terminology and method. That said it is a great way to get out on the sea without having to commit to owning a boat. I study full time and go out a few weeks during the summer and a weekend here or there during term time.
Also different ships have very different approaches and attitudes and methods. My ship is quite modern and high class in food and sleeping quarters, some ships have an "as long as it works" approach to method, others are very particular or proud. Some ships have a very steady crew and others less so. It's okay to shop around.
Picrel is Götheborg. She's a replica to the point of using linen sails and hemp ropes.
