Katie Hardaker (16), from Twickenham in South-west London, has recently cast off from the shores of Kiel, Germany to begin the trip of a lifetime. She is travelling with 33 other students and 16 crew members and teachers on a three-masted Schooner – the Thor Heyerdahl. This seven month long adventure will include destinations such as Tenerife, Cuba and the jungles of Panama but they all have to work for it: navigating, manually operating the sails, cleaning, cooking and more. In addition, everyone is working in watch groups for 3 hours, twice a day, so sleep is precious!

The application for the journey began in March where Katie prepared a letter and presentation on why she wanted to be a part of the 2018/19 trip. Soon after, Katie heard back and was told that she would be needed for the selection week in Germany, on the boat to see how her teamwork and nautical skills were. 

“The selection week was intended to give an idea of what the journey would be like, the cramped conditions, the tough schedule, the physical strain and the discomfort, generally the many challenges.” says Katie, “the selection week forced people to reflect on their physical and mental limits, which are definitely going to be tested on the actual trip. Some people found it too challenging and decided to drop out.”

Ever since she had received the letter with that all important “we are happy to inform you that…”, she has been getting ready: packing, reading, fund-raising, learning (but mostly packing). All of what you will need for 7 months has to fit in a 100L sea bag, a 60L rucksack and a 30-40L day pack. “It’s overwhelming,” she says “reducing the number of things that I am taking with me. We have so much compulsory kit, which takes up lots of space leaving almost no room for clothes and personal items.”

With all that said, at this exact moment, they have anchored in Madeira for supplies before their first big stopover in Tenerife, where they will climb the Teide as they plan to walk up the highest mountain in every country they visit.

And so, the Thor Heyerdahl is off, filled with equipment, school work and the students. About to embark on a thrilling voyage that will not only provide new friends and fun but also knowledge and experience that no amount of class work can ever teach you. On the Thor, it’s all first-hand, a really different kind of education.

To follow this adventure, visit Katie's blog