T/S Rupel
Providing job seekers with a future
The 'T/S' in the name T/S Rupel stands for Training Ship. This is an international designation for vessels engaged in sail training. But long before the ship adopted this role, it was already a significant training instrument.
The number of long-term unemployed individuals in the region around Boom reached dramatic proportions in the second half of the 20th century. Consequently, the VDAB, in collaboration with vzw De Steenschuit, initiated a shipyard where long-term unemployed individuals could undergo a program aimed at reintegrating them into the labor market.
The first ship to leave this shipyard in 1996 was T/S Rupel.
From the Scheldt to the Ocean.
Initially, the new sailing ship took short day trips in the Rupel and Scheldt area, but it quickly became evident that the ship had more potential. VDAB took over the ship from vzw De Steenschuit and utilized it to promote the new interim activities they were developing. Later, the ship transitioned to t-Groep NV, now known as Agilitas.
T/S Rupel no longer sails solely in the vicinity of Boom. Its navigational range extends across the entire North and East Seas, as well as the European coastal regions of the Atlantic Ocean.
Standing on its own ...
Since 2018, the ship has been under the full ownership of vzw De Rupel.
The focus of this organization lies in the social and educational objectives that the ship has represented since its construction. For many years, T/S Rupel has been participating in the Tall Ships Races with young people, often achieving impressive awards.
In addition, the ship occasionally embarks on special journeys with troubled youth, as well as in the context of training programs for maritime schools, water sports and youth organizations, and, of course, sea scout groups. The ship also undertakes short therapeutic voyages with individuals facing mental or physical challenges.
Strong Shoulders!
The crew of the T/S Rupel plays an indispensable role in all our activities. An impressive group of dedicated volunteers takes on both the maintenance and the professional staffing of the ship selflessly. Daily, the T/S Rupel navigates the waters, driven by the passion of these fantastic volunteers.
In addition, the essential financial support from various sponsors forms a strong foundation for our work. This collaboration between the dedicated volunteers and generous sponsors ensures that the T/S Rupel can continue to fulfill its mission and make a lasting impact on the maritime world. Thanks to these efforts, many young people also find their way into the maritime sector, where they can further develop their futures. Together, they are the driving force behind the ship, which symbolizes passion, dedication, and community.
Want to become a volunteer too? Click here to learn more about the opportunities!
Photomodel
When the T/S Rupel visits a port, it is invariably a true eye-catcher. The number of beautiful photos taken of this ship over the years is simply incalculable. With its majestic presence, the T/S Rupel is truly a feast for the eyes, evoking memories of a rich and fascinating maritime past with its historic lines.
These visits to ports often take place within the framework of large-scale maritime events, allowing the T/S Rupel to shine not only on its own but also within the broader maritime spectrum. Our stunning photo, capturing the beauty of the ship, invites exploration of this unique piece of maritime history.
Prize Winner
T/S Rupel is certainly not the largest sailing ship in the Tall Ships Races fleet, but it is surprisingly fast. Furthermore, the crew regularly wins awards for their excellent seamanship. The ship achieved various top 3 awards in its category of classic sailing vessels with staysail masts (B-class) in 2004, 2006, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2024.
In addition, T/S Rupel won the "Good Seamanship" trophy in 2010 and 2015, including once for providing medical assistance during a severe storm. In 2017, the ship made history as the first Belgian sailing vessel to cross the finish line first during that year's Tall Ships Races regatta.
In 2024 mocht T/S Rupel een nieuwe prijs toevoegen aan haar indrukwekkende lijst: de prestigieuze titel van “First in Class B” (lees meer), waarmee opnieuw werd bewezen dat het schip, ondanks zijn bescheiden formaat, een geduchte deelnemer is. Zo blijft T/S Rupel een van de schepen met de best gevulde prijzenkasten van het land.
The Ship
The majestic two-master, a wooden ship crafted according to the design of the renowned ship designer Vennekens, pays homage to the beautiful 'Baltimore Schooners' from the late 18th century. The elegant lines of this nautical masterpiece are meticulously based on the historical designs that flourished during that period. The ship is crafted with artisanal craftsmanship, composed of four layers of different high-quality wood types, including Sipo, Grand Bassam, and Iroko.
Each layer contributes to the unique structure and durability of the ship, making it not only an aesthetic masterpiece but also a showcase of technical excellence. The imposing masts, with heights of 17.3 and 19.6 meters respectively, are constructed from laminated Oregon Pine, providing not only impressive height but also a sturdy and reliable foundation during navigation. This maritime work of art exudes the spirit of bygone eras, inviting a journey through history as the ship sets sail towards the horizon.
Management / Non-profit Organization (VZW)
The T/S Rupel is maintained by a team of volunteers, with the active involvement of many young people. Here, they acquire skills that will serve them well in the job market later on. Working and living aboard also lays the foundation for numerous social skills and values that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Rupel encourages ownership, teamwork, and responsibility, trusting in the abilities and personalities of each young individual.
The great strength of Rupel lies in the fact that the people who manage and maintain the T/S Rupel form a close-knit and warm circle of friends, embracing each personality and surrounding them with the necessary attention and love. The informal nature of working on and living aboard the Rupel has a positive impact on the developmental journey of many young individuals.
