For more than a century, the training ships associated with Christian Radich have provided young people with experience, mastery, and a love for life at sea.
The story begins long before the ship itself was built in 1937.
In the late 19th century, Norway was one of the world's largest maritime nations. Industrialization led to increased trade and more shipping – and the need for training sailors grew.
In Kristiania, five socially engaged citizens took the initiative to establish a committee to acquire a ship that could provide training for boys who wanted a life at sea.
The first training ship was stationary and offered a three-month course for young people who wanted to go to sea. The initiative quickly became a success, and both the press and new supporters got involved.
Eventually, more training ships were put into operation.
The line started with Christiania, put into use in 1881. The ship was originally built in the USA in 1853 as the clipper ship Star of Empire.
In 1937, Christian Radich was built at Framnæs Mekaniske Værksted.
She became the fourth training ship in the line with Oslo as her home port, and continued the tradition of practical training at sea.
At this time, sailing ships were still an important part of the merchant fleet, and therefore the sailing ship was also the natural learning arena. Life on board not only provided knowledge of seamanship, but also experience with cooperation, responsibility, and discipline.
Through decades, Christian Radich has been an important part of Norwegian maritime history. The ship has given generations of young people life experiences – both professionally and personally.
Today, she is both a training ship, cultural heritage, and experience arena.
In the summer, the ship often participates in the Tall Ships Race, or sails along the Norwegian coast through Sea Norway voyages. Wherever she goes, she evokes enthusiasm and pride.
In 2018, the Christian Radich Foundation took an important step forward.
With an increasing focus on social exclusion among young people, a new program was developed to give more people a new opportunity – not just at sea, but in life.
The result was Windjammer – a life skills program at sea.
The program uses the ship as an arena for development and targets young people who are at risk of falling out of school and work life, or who already have.
In collaboration with schools, an intensive program is also offered that can be part of the school curriculum.
The goal is to turn young people who are at risk of dropping out into valuable resources in their classes and local communities.
Windjammer was tested through pilots in 2018 and 2019. Since its inception, over 550 young people have participated.
The program has developed into a central part of the organization's activities – and an important contribution to society.
Through Windjammer, the school ship tradition is continued in a new form.
Where sailors were previously educated, today young people are also given tools to master life – through community, responsibility, and achievement on board.
This is how Christian Radich connects past and present:
A living cultural heritage that continues to make a difference.
Experience life at sea on one of the world's most beautiful sailing ships.
As a volunteer on the Christian Radich, you become part of a unique community and help keep proud maritime traditions alive.
