One-of-a-kind journey

Welcome aboard the Sustainable Ocean Solutions Voyage!

As part of the Sustainable Ocean Solutions Voyage 2025, you will have the chance to grow your professional network, experience teamwork in an entirely new way, and gain hands-on knowledge from life at sea. This voyage merges professional growth with the beauty and challenge of life on the water.

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Set sail with us from San Francisco to San Diego aboard the 111-year-old sailing vessel, where you will engage in both personal and professional enrichment, learning the skills needed to navigate a traditional tall ship.

The atmosphere aboard is refreshingly informal, you will be surrounded by the elements, free from the distractions of mobile coverage, sharing communal meals, resting in hammocks, and forging lasting friendships. Regardless of your professional background or role on land, everyone aboard is equal, and everyone contributes to the adventure.

Get ready for an experience of a lifetime!

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Who is sailing?

Fellow sailors aboard the SOS Voyage will be part of a global network, combining a diverse group of professionals, entrepreneurs, scientists, students, academics, investors, and more. This voyage is perfect for anyone eager to learn more about teamwork, cross-sector collaboration, and the challenges and rewards of life at sea.

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Route

Departure port: San Fransisco, USA

• Embarkation time: 08:00-10:00.
• Estimated time of departure: 14:00

Arrival Port: San Diego, USA

• Estimated time of arrival: 10:00

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Schedule

• Nov 5th, 2025

Event with Innovation Norway

• Nov 6th, 2025

SOS Summit - Shack 15

• Nov 7th, 2025

Departure San Fransisco SOS Voyage

• Nov 11th, 2025

Arrival San Diego SOS Voyage

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Life aboard

‍Sea Watches: The sea watch arrangement has long traditions and is the backbone for life aboard Statsraad Lehmkuhl. All participants will be assigned to a watch team. You will be on watch for 4 hours during the day and 4 hours during the night.

During the sea watches, you and your fellow watch mates partake in all the necessary task required to sail the tall ship. All tasks are performed under the guidance of the professional crew.

The watches are distributed thus:

Red watch           12–16 / 24–04

White watch       04–08 / 16–20

Blue watch          08–12 / 20–24

Apart from the watches every day, the remaining time between the watches will consist of lectures and leisure time you can spend together with your sailing companions.

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Accommodation

Accommodated on board will be in one of the ship’s two “banjers” where everyone will sleep side by side in hammocks, like sailors have done for centuries. The hammocks are sturdy and comfortable and are equipped with mattresses (you must bring your own sleeping bag and pillow if you need).

Passport and travel

All participants must have a valid passport.

Participants are responsible for checking if they need a visa to travel to Ireland, and, if so, for obtaining it on their own.

Travel to/from Bergen and/or any accommodation before boarding is not included.

Meals and special diets

All meals aboard the ship are included: breakfast, lunch, dinner, plus some additional fruit and snacks.

Breakfast     7:20-8:30 am

Lunch           11:20-12:30 pm

Dinner          5:20-6:30 pm

In addition, there is a coffee break every day at 10.00 and 15.00.

Statsraad Lehmkuhl can accommodate special diets for those with food allergies and/or vegetarian/vegan preferences. These must be specified well in advance of the departure date.

Statsraad Lehmkuhl is a 111-year-old ship, so please note that it may not be possible to accommodate all dietary requirements.

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Health and safety

Regardless of the weather conditions, you can feel safe on board. Safety always comes first at Statsraad Lehmkuhl. The ship is one of the world’s largest sailing ships in year-round operation and is built to sail on the open sea.

She has been tested countless times in rough waters, including on annual winter voyages across the North Atlantic. Solid ship construction, advanced navigation equipment, extensive upgrades and maintenance and a skilled crew make Statsraad Lehmkuhl a very safe ship.

Sea sickness

Some people get seasick, some don’t. Some get a little seasick, some can get a bit more seasick. But relax – seasickness usually passes after a day or two. You can bring any seasickness medication you prefer (tablets, patches, wristbands, etc.), but for safety reasons, there are certain restrictions on going aloft if you are taking strong seasickness medication.

Going aloft

For safety reasons, there are some physical requirements for everyone who wants to go into the rigging:

1. One must manage one (1) «pull-up», followed by 10 seconds where one hangs freely by the arms.
2. If one manages to hang freely by the arms for 10 seconds (without a pull-up), one can go up to the first platform, but not above it.

If you do not meet the physical requirements, you can only enter on the bowsprit.

Phone and WiFi

This will be a digital de-tox and a time-out form today’s chronic digital availability. There is no regular phone coverage or WiFi available when we are out at sea. The professional crew has daily contact with land and can convey important messages if needed.

Weather

In mid-November, the weather along California's coast can vary. San Francisco is typically cool, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 15°C and occasional fog. As you sail south toward San Diego, temperatures become milder, averaging 15°C to 20°C. While the conditions are generally calm, be prepared for cooler nights.

Suggested Packing List

• Sleeping bag – Banjers are heated, but a sleeping bag is recommended
• Pillow, earplugs, and sleep mask (optional)
• Wind- and waterproof clothing (jacket and trousers) for watches on deck
• Wool or thermal base layers for warmth
• Durable outdoor clothing suitable for rigging, rope work, and tar work (hiking clothes work well)
• Water-resistant boots/shoes and sneakers or hiking shoes
• Gloves for helm and watch duties
• Towels, toiletries, and sunscreen
• Small flashlight/headlamp
• Everyday clothing appropriate for the season
• Flip-flops or shower shoes
• Reusable water bottle

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Storage on Board

Please pack in a soft, foldable bag (backpack or duffel) that can be stowed easily. You will have access to:- A lockable locker (35 × 70 × 80 cm)- A drawer in the ship’s chest (66 × 34 × 56 cm and 32 × 53 × 43 cm) Here’s the ship’s official FAQ page, where they’ve compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions.

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