Sailing vessel "Gorch Fock" commences instructional journey
The German Navy's iconic sail training ship, the Gorch Fock, departed from its home port of Kiel on August 9, 2025, embarking on an extended training and recruitment cruise that will last until September 16, 2025.
The voyage, which focuses on recruitment and maritime training, aims to attract young people interested in joining the Bundeswehr. The ship will make multiple stops across Europe, combining practical training at sea with public relations events and cultural celebrations.
During the first leg of the journey, from Kiel to Bremerhaven, 30 young individuals will participate in the "Bundeswehr Discovery Days," a recruitment and training initiative. In Bremerhaven, the Gorch Fock will take part in the "Sail 2025" maritime festival, and German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is scheduled to visit the ship.
Following Bremerhaven, the ship will sail to Amsterdam, where 60 more young people will join the vessel as part of the "Meer. Gorch Fock. Erleben" project. After Amsterdam, the ship will head to Wilhelmshaven, where it will be used to recruit new talent alongside units of the 2nd Flotilla.
Other notable stops include Edinburgh, Scotland, where 75 prospective officers of the military service specialized in professional training (military technical service) will join the crew for their practical seamanship instruction. The Gorch Fock is also scheduled to participate in the "Day of Monuments" in Flensburg, a cultural heritage event.
The journey concludes with the ship's return to Kiel on September 16, 2025. Throughout the voyage, the Gorch Fock will emphasize its commitment to recruitment and maritime training, with a particular focus on engaging the public and attracting young people to the Bundeswehr.
The Gorch Fock, which has been in service since 1958, is primarily used for the education of officer cadets and non-commissioned officer candidates. With over 780,000 nautical miles sailed globally, the ship continues to be a vital part of the German Navy's training programme.
- Participants in the "Meer. Gorch Fock. Erleben" project in Amsterdam might be inspired to adopt a lifestyle that includes an appreciation for travel and seafaring, given the opportunity to join the sail training ship Gorch Fock.
- Sports enthusiasts may also find appeal in the Gorch Fock's training cruise, as the ship's journey highlights various cultural celebrations and includes a stop in Edinburgh, Scotland, for prospective military service officers to engage in practical seamanship training.
