Expedition Overview
International Sailing Expeditions: SailFuture Academy's 'Rite of Passage' Experience
At SailFuture Academy, sailing expeditions are central to our educational approach, offering an immersive experience that combines adventure, learning, and personal growth. Over the course of 7 weeks, students and teachers journey to unique and often remote parts of the world, forging lasting relationships and sharing life-changing experiences.
These expeditions are designed to nurture both personal and professional development, helping students build resilience, teamwork, and leadership skills. Regarded as a transformative 'rite-of-passage,' every SailFuture Academy student is required to complete a sailing expedition prior to graduation, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges of ‘real-world’ post-graduation.
Vessel Overview
S/Y 'Whatever It Takes'
The S/Y 'Whatever It Takes' is a custom 100-foot Italian sailing ketch, designed to create a comfortable, productive learning and living space for students. The S/V 'Whatever It Takes' is a versatile sailing yacht that doubles as a mobile classroom, facilitating educational voyages while circumnavigating and offering certification opportunities in diving and sailing for students and instructors.
- Overall Length
- 100'
- Beam Width
- 24'
- Student & Teacher Cabins
- 18
- Draft Depth
- 11'
Vessel Details
Features & Amenities
S/Y Whatever it Takes accommodates 12 students and 6 instructors with a total of 8 cabins and 6 bathrooms complete with heads, showers, and laundry services.
- PADI Approved Dive School
- The vessel is a PADI approved dive school and ASA approved sailing school, allowing our students to earn credentials and certifications throughout their journey.
- Full Commercial Galley
- Our commercial galley space has all the necessary equipment to create professional meals and teach students the basics of culinary arts.
- Watersports Gear
- We carry a 15’ racing catamaran, multiple kayaks and paddleboards, and (2) go-fast RIB’s for watersports entertainment and relaxation.
Expedition Components
Key Program Components
The SailFuture Academy expedition program offers a comprehensive and immersive experience that integrates practical sailing skills, community service, personal development, specialized maritime training, and international travel.
Crew Responsibilities
Each student actively participates as a crew member, assisting with helming, navigation, sail handling, and ensuring safe passage to each destination.
Service Learning & Volunteering
Students engage in meaningful community service projects, aiding those in need and fostering a sense of social responsibility.
Adventure-Based & Personal Development
Students undergo mental health and group therapy sessions, exploring personal growth and understanding their motivations and behaviors.
Maritime Specific Training
A tailored curriculum provides specialized training for each role and department onboard the vessel.
Onboard Curriculum
Students take a full selection of courses including maritime,
International Travel
Students embark on global sailing expeditions, exploring diverse cultures and environments, enhancing their global awareness and adaptability.
Vessel Details
Roles and Responsibilities
Each student, under the guidance of an experienced supervisor, will be trained in an assigned department onboard the vessel. At the end of an Expedition, the intern should be capable of performing all basic boat operations that would be expected of a working deckhand in the professional sailing or yachting industry.
- Bridge Department
- Responsible for overall management of the vessel and personnel, passage planning, navigation, and safety.
- Engineering Department
- Responsible for all ship systems, including propulsion engine, generators, water makers, chillers, pumps, etc. Performs onboard repairs and daily and annual maintenance.
- Deck Department
- Responsible for all above deck cleanliness and organization, including wash downs, rigging maintenance, tender maintenance, and safety equipment checks.
- Galley Department
- Responsible for all culinary operations, including provisioning, food management, galley cleanliness, and preparing 3 meals a day for 18 crew.
- Interior Department
- Responsible for interior cleanliness and organization, including bathrooms, cabins, galley, and common spaces. Manages onboard laundry service for all crew.
Explore Live Tracker Expedition Map
Follow our journey and adventures in real-time and discover the routes, destinations, and progress of our voyages as they unfold across the globe.
Begin Explore