The Aims

"Operation of offshore sailing yachts and the physical and character-shaping exercise of youth and training as mariners" - even if wording and times have changed since then, these prime goals as postulated in 1903 apply to this date. Then, as today, the focus lies on imparting and improving offshore skills and expertise of yachting to adolescents - ideally, these already have some experience and are at least 16 years of age.

Apart from benefiting from the extensive naval training with its core elements maneuver tactics, navigation skills, sail trim and its special attention to goog seamanship, the adolescents are guided towards adopting responsibility, team spirit, friendship and to stive for the achievement of a mutual goal.

Besides being used for practical training and cruising, the boats of the HVS regularly participate in regattas home and abroad.

Races in the North Sea and Baltic (Nordseewoche, Kieler Woche, Baltic Sprint Cup, Flensburger Herbstwoche, Skagen and Gotland Rund) are part of the established program, just as their presence at international events (Blue Race, Cape to Rio ? Race, Hong Kong Challange,  Cowes Week, Fastnet Race, just to mention some). Providing required leadership qualities, suitable candidates are offered such positions as Watch Leader or even Skipper within the HVS. After passing the exams successfully, the candidate is recommended by the council of skippers to the board of the HVS and ceremoniously appointed.