Gorch Fock: Sail with us across the Atlantic for Independence Day!

Gorch Fock: Sail with us across the Atlantic for Independence Day!

The German Navy’s sailing training ship “Gorch Fock” has launched a new Work & Travel program that includes an exciting trip to America in 2026. Those interested are invited to make a six-month commitment to participate in this journey. The course will launch in spring 2026 and will include crossing the Atlantic, with the ship taking part in the 250th Independence Day celebrations in New York on July 4th. After a stay in Boston, a return trip from Halifax via Iceland to Kiel is planned at the end of July. Loud Mopo There are 100 places for the program every year, divided into 25 places per travel section.

In order to be on board the “Gorch Fock”, applicants must complete basic training and boarding training at the naval school’s training mast. Commander Elmar Bornkessel emphasizes the need for virtues such as perseverance and teamwork for future marines. The Navy recorded a 15 percent increase in voluntary military service compared to the previous year.

Next training trip starts

The next training trip of the “Gorch Fock” begins on August 9, 2025 and will last around five weeks. The destinations of this leg are Bremerhaven, Amsterdam, Wilhelmshaven and Edinburgh. In addition to officer candidates, there will be a total of 90 young people on board who will sail as part of various projects. This shows the Navy's commitment to attracting young talent in order to maintain personnel capacity.

Those interested also have the opportunity to visit the “Gorch Fock”. The next sightseeings will take place at Sartorikai in Kiel on August 6th and 7th, 2025, followed by another appointment in Flensburg on September 14th, 2025. The ship's return to its home port of Kiel is planned for September 16th, 2025.

Events and traditions

Recently, on August 1, 2025, the “Gorch Fock” returned from a previous training trip. The windjammer parade on August 3, 2025, in which the ship will be at the forefront, represents another highlight in the history of the traditional ship. Exactly 50 years ago, in 1975, the sailing training ship made its first major trip to Tenerife, which underlines the long tradition and importance of the “Gorch Fock” in naval history.

The planned trips and programs show that the German Navy strives to promote both the tactical and personal skills of its soldiers while keeping the maritime heritage alive through exciting adventures. Future trips should focus on work & travel and include more spring and fall trips to appeal to a broader target group, such as NDR reported.