Story of Tom Curmer

My name is Tom, I am 23 years old, and I recently developed the desire to learn how to sail on traditional 18th-century tall ships.

While volunteering on the Hermione, I first heard about the Shtandart.

I was deeply moved by its story. Its ban from European ports immediately struck me as scandalous and unfair, which only strengthened my desire to meet the crew and support their simple, harmless, and beautiful cause: sharing and passing on the knowledge of traditional 18th-century sailing aboard a three-masted, square-rigged wooden ship.

It turned out that the Shtandart needed long-term volunteers, for periods of 3 to 6 months. I was available, eager to discover this world and its skills, so I reached out — and was accepted.

Since coming aboard, I have been learning every day: about the organization of daily life, the maintenance of such a ship (dry docking and related upkeep), and, of course, the techniques of navigation itself. Even though the Shtandart is currently restricted in its movements, preventing me from sailing regularly, we organize “lesson” sessions on various topics: celestial navigation basics, stability principles, sail operations, tacking maneuvers, and much more. I was also given a fantastic book detailing the evolution of ships and sailing techniques from 1460 to 1850, which I study every day. When I struggle to understand a passage, people take the time to explain it to me. It’s amazing.

Given that the Shtandart is one of the last remaining wooden frigates still sailing, and that volunteering allows me to learn so much without any financial cost, I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of this experience.

Thanks to the Shtandart and the encounters it has fostered, I have discovered one of my future life projects: creating a floating, sailing community — offering children and teenagers an immersive, long-term experience aboard a ship, letting them touch the impossible, boosting their confidence and potential, making them dream, helping them grow…

The story of the Shtandart’s construction shows that anything is possible, that we can believe in our dreams and turn them into reality — it all depends on us. Today, this is my dream, and who knows? Maybe one day, it will lead me to become a captain.