‘Taking part in the Humber to Hamburg Sail is an exciting opportunity for us and completely outside our comfort zone’
The Humber to Hamburg trip launches later this month(Image: GEV Wind Power & RWE)
A dozen apprentices are gearing up to race across the North Sea on an exciting eight-day voyage to raise money for charity and build skills. The ‘Humber to Hamburg’ journey will see 12 wind industry apprentices carry out the voyage to raise funds while developing core skills needed for careers in the wind industry.
Four apprentices from wind turbine maintenance and repair firm GEV Wind Power will join eight apprentices from power generator RWE for the sailing challenge across the North Sea, arriving in Hamburg ahead of WindEnergy Hamburg 2026, one of the world’s leading wind industry events. The campaign will take place aboard the racing yacht CatZero, leaving Grimsby Dock on September 19, before arriving in Hamburg, Germany, four days later for WindEnergy Hamburg.
Those taking part will experience life aboard a high-performance racing yacht, where communication, trust and problem-solving are essential to every aspect of the voyage. The challenge also gives the apprentices the chance to build lasting professional networks.
Following the exhibition, the crew will complete the return voyage to the UK, arriving in Hull. The initiative will raise money for CatZero, a charity dedicated to the support of people of all ages, including young people and families, helping them into employment or training.
Business leaders said the Humber to Hamburg journey reflects GEV Wind Power and RWE’s commitment to developing the technical and personal qualities needed for long-term success in the sector.
Chris Sarel, GEV Wind Power Managing Director UK/EU said: “Our people are the future of this industry. Technical skills are fundamental, but experiences like this develop confidence, teamwork and leadership. These are qualities that are just as important throughout a career in wind energy.
“This event demonstrates our commitment to investing in young people and creating opportunities that extend beyond the workplace. We’re excited to be working alongside RWE and CatZero to give our apprentices an experience they’ll remember for the rest of their careers while raising money for an important charitable cause.”
Luke Skeffington, RWE Offshore Operations Training Specialist said: “We are delighted to support the ‘Humber to Hamburg’ challenge, a brilliant example of hands-on learning, teamwork and ambition in action.
“Experiences like this accelerate the development of the next generation of wind technicians and engineers by building not only technical capability but the resilience, leadership and collaboration skills that underpin long careers in our industry. Sailing to WindEnergy Hamburg gives these apprentices a unique international stage to showcase their talent, strengthens ties across the supply chain, and helps raise funds for a great cause in CatZero. We wish the crew a safe and inspiring voyage.”
Every crew member will contribute to navigation, watchkeeping, sail handling and life on board, testing both physical and mental resilience.
Pete Tighe, CatZero Partnership and Development Manager, said: “Sailing has an incredible way of bringing out the very best in people. It takes individuals out of their comfort zones and develops confidence and communication in a way that few other experiences can. That’s why it’s at the heart of everything we do at CatZero. We’re delighted to be working alongside GEV Wind Power and RWE to give these apprentices an unforgettable experience that will not only support their careers but also help raise vital funds so we can continue creating life-changing opportunities for others.”
Alfie Shreeve, GEV Wind Power Apprentice Wind Technician, said: “Taking part in the Humber to Hamburg Sail is an exciting opportunity for us. It’s something completely outside our comfort zone, but that’s what makes it exciting. We’ll be learning from each other, working together with apprentices from another company and hopefully raising as much money as possible for CatZero along the way.”
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