This project was set up by Amis des Grands Voilliers to organize a Youth Exchange again for the first time since quite some years. Together with partners with plenty of experience, we set out to put together a sustainability themed high quality experiential learning project on board tall ship Thalassa. The objectives of the project were multiple: environmental education, personal development and intercultural learning. We wanted to raise awareness, among the participants and beyond of environmental issues, specifically plastic pollution. For this we relied on a partnership with The Ocean Movement, which sent along a marine biologist who shared his knowledge with a very engaging and entertaining approach. We furthermore aimed for the participants to get to know themselves and those from other countries better. To reach these objectives, young people from 3 different countries lived and learned together for 2 weeks on a traditional sailing ship. Supported by mentors and the professional sailing crew, they built a mini-society on board, reminiscent of the EU itself. They practiced leadership, teamwork and improved their confidence via sail training program. They became more responsible and improved their communication and problem-solving by living and working together every day in a small space. They practiced what they learned about sustainability (limited resources on board) and became more conscious citizens, for example by having to make group decisions, come up with new ideas, and discuss solutions.