T/S RUPEL
Social Objective
T/S Rupel has not only emerged from a social project (the reintegration of the unemployed into the job market). In its current existence, the Rupel continues to play a significant social role.
Thus, the non-profit organization De Rupel, responsible for the management of the ship, has formulated three objectives:
- Achieving social objectives, with a particular focus on at-risk and disadvantaged groups.
- Promotion of boating tourism in general.
- Enhancement of 'Flemish presence' at domestic and international events.
In practice, for the T/S Rupel, this translates into numerous concrete projects and voyages.
- VZW De Steenschuit: The shipyard that built the vessel.
- De Varens St-Andries: works with socially disadvantaged youth. They engage in team-building activities on the T/S Rupel to enhance the self-confidence and group spirit of these young individuals.
- Former burn victims: Utilize the friendly atmosphere of the T/S Rupel to engage in discussions about their experiences as ex-burn patients.
- Youth Support Don Bosco: Youth Support Don Bosco Flanders works across Flanders with young people and their surroundings to foster their development, well-being, and happiness. Their approach is characterized by dialogue and mutual respect, focusing on socially vulnerable and disadvantaged youth and the people around them.
T/S Rupel
Maritime events
When T/S Rupel visits a port, she is often an eye-catcher.
The number of photos taken of the ship over the past decades is simply incalculable. The ship is undeniably a feast for the eyes, and with its historical lines, it evokes memories of a rich and fascinating past.
T/S Rupel is a welcomed guest at various maritime events both domestically and internationally, including:
- INTERNATIONAL:
- The Tall Ships Races
- Sail Amsterdam (NL)
- Sail Den Helder (NL)
- Sail Harlingen (NL)
- Sail Kampen (NL)
- Sail De Ruyter (NL)
- Sail Calais (FR)
- NATIONAL:
- Oostende Voor Anker
- Water-rAnt
- Havenfeesten Blankenberge
- Temse In De Wolken
THE TALL SHIPS RACES
Ooostende Voor Anker
Sail Den Helder
Sail Amsterdam
T/S RUPEL
Youth
During the summer period, T/S Rupel annually participates in The Tall Ships Races, a world-renowned sailing race where half of the crew must consist of young people aged 25 and under. This is to introduce as many young people as possible to nautical life. In practice, we find that many young individuals, after a successful participation in The Tall Ships Races, transition to jobs in the maritime industry.
Moreover, many (troubled) youth get to know themselves positively during such a voyage by working and living aboard. It’s an experience from which every young person learns something valuable and looks back on positively.
Throughout the year, youth is also a mainstay in our program. For instance, we support various Sea Scout groups by providing the ship for nautical training.
