Our Story
Established in 2014, the Fullriggeren Sørlandet Foundation invested significant resources in developing a unique and competitive school program intended for Norwegians and international students at upper secondary school level.
1927
Sørlandet was launched
Built by Høivold Mekaniske (Build No. 1) and financed by shipowner O.A.T. Skjelbred, Sørlandet was designed as a school ship train Norway’s finest sailors. At a time when engines were becoming standard, she was proudly launched without one — honoring traditional seamanship and focusing on mastering the art of sailing.
Built by Høivold Mekaniske (Build No. 1) and financed by shipowner O.A.T. Skjelbred, Sørlandet was designed as a school ship train Norway’s finest sailors. At a time when engines were becoming standard, she was proudly launched without one — honoring traditional seamanship and focusing on mastering the art of sailing.
1933
World’s Fair in Chicago
Sørlandet became the most visited pavilion at the World’s Fair, proudly representing Norway. *First Norwegian school ship to cross the Atlantic.
Sørlandet became the most visited pavilion at the World’s Fair, proudly representing Norway. *First Norwegian school ship to cross the Atlantic.
1940
WWII Service
Taken by the Germans, rigged down, and used as coal storage and a prison in Kirkenes. After WWII, she was towed back to Kristiansand and restored by her original shipyard.
Taken by the Germans, rigged down, and used as coal storage and a prison in Kirkenes. After WWII, she was towed back to Kristiansand and restored by her original shipyard.
1954
Engine Installed
Sørlandet embraced modernization with the installation of her first engine.
Sørlandet embraced modernization with the installation of her first engine.
1960s
End of an Era
Technological advances led to Sørlandet being retired as a school ship. By then, over 7,500 cadets had received maritime education onboard.
Technological advances led to Sørlandet being retired as a school ship. By then, over 7,500 cadets had received maritime education onboard.
1977
Rescue by the Skjelbred Family
After a bankruptcy by a previous owner, Kristian Andreas Skjelbred-Knudsen (grandson of the original financier) saved the ship and gifted it to Kristiansand Municipality. The Sørlandet Foundation was later established to preserve her legacy.
After a bankruptcy by a previous owner, Kristian Andreas Skjelbred-Knudsen (grandson of the original financier) saved the ship and gifted it to Kristiansand Municipality. The Sørlandet Foundation was later established to preserve her legacy.
1981
Sørlandet Foundation Established
With the mission "To Keep Sørlandet on Water," ensuring the ship’s continued operation and preservation.
With the mission "To Keep Sørlandet on Water," ensuring the ship’s continued operation and preservation.
2000
Pioneering Experiential Learning
Sørlandet became the first school ship to combine academic and practical education, setting the foundation for a unique learning model.
Sørlandet became the first school ship to combine academic and practical education, setting the foundation for a unique learning model.
2006
First Nordic School Ship to Circumnavigate the Globe
Sørlandet completed a historic circumnavigation, continuing to make maritime history.
Sørlandet completed a historic circumnavigation, continuing to make maritime history.
2010
Educational Project Launched
The concept of a global classroom aboard Sørlandet was officially introduced with the vision to "give young people the best possible education, combining practical and theoretical maritime skill,"
The concept of a global classroom aboard Sørlandet was officially introduced with the vision to "give young people the best possible education, combining practical and theoretical maritime skill,"
2014
Founding of A+ World Academy
A+ World Academy was created to offer students a transformative education through global travel and experiential learning aboard the world’s oldest full-rigged ship still in operation.
A+ World Academy was created to offer students a transformative education through global travel and experiential learning aboard the world’s oldest full-rigged ship still in operation.
2015
First Academic Year of A+ World Academy
Students embarked on their first full academic voyage, combining rigorous studies with leadership, resilience, and cultural immersion.
Students embarked on their first full academic voyage, combining rigorous studies with leadership, resilience, and cultural immersion.
2019 / 2020
Record-Breaking Voyage
The fastest and longest voyage in Sørlandet’s history took place, surpassing even the legendary 1933 journey to Chicago.
The fastest and longest voyage in Sørlandet’s history took place, surpassing even the legendary 1933 journey to Chicago.
Present Day
With over 500 alumni graduated since its founding, A+ World Academy has shaped a global network of resilient, open-minded, and driven individuals. Our students thrive in top universities, global industries, and entrepreneurial ventures, empowered by the unique experiences, leadership skills, and cultural understanding gained during their transformative year at sea.
