U.S. Youth Representative to the Sail Training International (STI) Youth Council

Application Deadline is Friday, April 24th. Selection will be the first week of May. All applications should be sent to erin@tallshipsamerica.org. 

With the departure of the current standing representative, Tall Ships America (TSA) seeks a motivated young mariner to serve as the Tall Ships America Youth Representative to the STI Youth Council. This role serves as the sole U.S. youth voice, representing Tall Ships America and American sail training within an international forum. The representative participates in international discussions, contributes to collaborative youth initiatives, and helps ensure that the perspectives of American youth sailors are meaningfully represented in global sail training conversations.

This role is both representational and collaborative, suited to a young American mariner who values cross-cultural exchange and the long-term future of sail training.

Connecting American youth sailors with European and global sail training communities strengthens the future of sail training worldwide. This role offers a rare opportunity to exchange ideas across national traditions, learn from diverse training models, and build lasting professional relationships that benefit vessels, programs, and young sailors around the world.

(Please note that this role is unpaid.)

About Sail Training International (STI)

Sail Training International (STI) is the global umbrella organization for sail training and tall ships programs worldwide. It brings together National Sail Training Organizations (NSTOs) from dozens of countries to support youth development through sail training, coordinate international events, and foster collaboration across the international tall ship community. In addition, STI organizes the annual Tall Ships Races, which bring together tall ships from around the world for a series of international races and port festivals, engaging millions of visitors and providing sail training opportunities for thousands of young people each year.

The STI Youth Council is composed of one youth representative from each NSTO.

Term & Eligibility

  • Term length: 3 years
  • Age requirement: Over 18 and 27 or under at the time of application
  • Must be eligible for international travel (have or be willing to get a passport)

Key Responsibilities

  • Represent the United States on the STI Youth Council
  • Engage with youth representatives from Europe and around the world, exchanging perspectives on training models, access, safety, and maritime culture
  • Bring insights from global sail training back to U.S. programs
  • Attend monthly meetings to update progress on key STIYC projects. (Failure to do so/complete project work risks one’s attendance at the European conference & position on the council.) The Youth Council votes on these projects annually. For 2026, potential projects include: 
    • Contribute to an international Youth Council newsletter
    • Support a cross-NSTO mentoring initiative
    • Collaborate on Youth Council social media and outreach
    • Participate in administration and promotion of an STI Youth Council bursary supporting youth access to tall ship and sail training professional certification

Conference Commitments and International Opportunities 

    • Attend the Tall Ships America Annual Conference
      • Conference registration covered
      • Travel and lodging not covered
    • Attend the Sail Training International Annual Conference, typically held in Europe (approximately 3 days, usually in November)
      • All flights, lodging, and conference costs covered
  • N.B. At the STI Annual Conference, there is typically a very small American presence compared to other NSTOs. As a result, this role requires confidence and independence at international meetings and events, including a willingness to actively network, introduce yourself to new people, and build relationships across cultures.
  • Potential opportunity to attend and speak at the Tall Ship Races at European host ports with all costs covered

Application Requirements – All Applicants Must be a Current Member of Tall Ships America.

Applicants must submit:

  • A statement of interest (one page or less) describing their motivation, relevant experience, and interest in international sail training collaboration
  • A brief sailing résumé or experience summary
  • Letter of recommendation from a vessel captain (required), addressing seamanship, leadership, and suitability for international representation

All components must be complete and included at the time of application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Non-Members will not be considered. Send applications to erin@tallshipsamerica.org.