STICHTING SAIL TRAINING ASSOCIATION NETHERLANDS (NEDERLANDSE AFDELING VAN SAIL TRAINING INTERNATIONAL S.T.I.)

The mission of Sail Training Association Netherlands (STAN) is to promote sail training in the Netherlands. The STAN creates possibilities for young people (15-25 years old) to embark on seagoing sailing ships and to get to know life at sea and all aspects which go with that. The ships all apply a structured teaching/sail training method, which requires participants to confront many demanding challenges, both physical and emotional. It inspires self-confidence and the acceptance of personal responsibility. It promotes an acceptance of others whatever their social or cultural backgrounds, and develops a willingness to take controlled risks. Sail training includes instruction in all aspects of sailing but its purpose goes far, far beyond this. It uses the experience of being at sea principally as a means to help people learn about themselves, discover hidden strengths and talents and understand the value of working as a team, which are all great ingredients for a strong lifelong learning experience. The STAN is also involved in representing the Dutch fleet of Tall Ships towards authorities as far the training programs for young people are concerned. We do so by for example organizing and being partner in Erasmus+ funded Youth Exchange projects, organizing national sail training projects for (disadvantaged youth) and bringing the Dutch fleet of ships together to jointly think about sustainability issues. STAN is founding member of Sail Training International, world-wide platform for sail training (events).