Captain bids farewell to Tall Ships Races after 20 years, focusing on youth empowerment

Antwerp native Captain Jan Vandenborne is embarking on his 20th and final voyage in the Tall Ships Races, an event that returns to his hometown this weekend. For two decades, Vandenborne has used this international sailing competition as a platform to introduce underprivileged youth to life at sea.

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I know everyone here, God and little Peter. It's incredibly nice to be able to chat with everyone.

This year marks a significant milestone for Vandenborne, who has a deep connection to Antwerp. "I know everyone here, God and little Peter," he said, referring to the warm reception he receives from locals. "It's incredibly nice to be able to chat with everyone."

His ship, the T/S Rupel, celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. The vessel's construction itself was a social project initiated in the 1980s and 90s to combat youth unemployment in Boom. The project equipped young people with new skills, aiding their return to the job market.

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Our crew consists mainly of disadvantaged youth. This includes young people with behavioral problems or those in institutions because their parents have behavioral issues.

This social mission continues today. "Our crew consists mainly of disadvantaged youth," Vandenborne explained. "This includes young people with behavioral problems or those in institutions because their parents have behavioral issues." The Tall Ships Races mandate that at least half the crew be between 15 and 25 years old. While participation has costs, Vandenborne emphasizes that they only charge for expenses like food, as the crew consists of volunteers.

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International friendships are really built between young people. They get to know themselves better on board such a ship and are away from their parents' wings for a while. They have to learn to fend for themselves.

"International friendships are really built between young people," Vandenborne noted. "They get to know themselves better on board such a ship and are away from their parents' wings for a while. They have to learn to fend for themselves." Despite the rewarding experiences, Vandenborne, 60, is stepping down due to the physical demands. "Everyone likes me to be there because I find a solution for almost every problem, but physically it's becoming too much." He hopes to conclude his final race with a victory, having already won the first leg from Aarhus to Harlingen.

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Everyone likes me to be there because I find a solution for almost every problem, but physically it's becoming too much.