On 3 July 2025, it's "Cast off!" for an extraordinary summer project: the historic schooner "Bonavista" of the Danish National Museum sets sail to promote more sustainability in the fashion world together with young people from all over Denmark. The clothing exchange will take place in 13 harbours along the Danish coast, where free clothing swap markets will be held. The aim is to promote a more conscious approach to clothing and at the same time get young people interested in maritime cultural heritage.
Sustainability meets seafaring tradition
The "Bonavista", a two-masted cargo ship built in 1914, will become a floating platform for climate protection and cultural education for the duration of the project. In her hold, she transports several tonnes of collected second-hand clothing from port to port. The young participants not only learn about traditional seafaring, but also take on the task of loading and unloading the ship according to historical models.
Free shopping with added value
At each port of call, the young people set up a market with the clothes they have brought with them. Visitors can swap or take items of clothing here free of charge - with no obligation to buy. In addition to the swap market, there will be upcycling stations for creative remodelling of old clothes, information stands on problems in the textile industry and talks on sustainable consumption. Background music and a coffee bar create a relaxed atmosphere.
Youth commitment to climate protection
The project is a co-operation between the National Museum and the Holbæk Youth School UngHolbæk. It offers 70 young people the opportunity to get actively involved in climate protection and sustainability. Martin Andersen, Head of the Centre for Seafaring and Maritime Crafts at the National Museum, sees this as a unique opportunity: "The clothes swap gives us a unique opportunity to connect our maritime history with current challenges in Denmark. The ship's cargo capacity provides an ideal setting to support young people's desire to actively protect the climate and at the same time communicate Danish maritime history throughout the country."
From Holbæk into the wide world
The idea for the project originated in Holbæk, where UngHolbæk has already successfully organised clothes swap markets. Nina Wendelboe Hansen, counsellor at UngHolbæk, explains: "The young people are very aware that the textile industry is one of the biggest climate offenders. However, the trip is not activist, but an attempt to change the way we use clothes. It's understandable that people like to wrap themselves in nice clothes, but it makes sense to think about clothing in a circular way."
Funding and support
The ambitious project is made possible by a donation from the Spar Nord Foundation. Foundation Director Bo Uggerhøj emphasises the relevance of the project: "The climate crisis is undoubtedly a major topic of public debate. So much so that climate concerns also land on the shoulders of our children and young people. It is therefore important that we support initiatives in which the younger generation develops and experiences concrete measures together that can make a positive contribution to our climate. The clothes swap project is a good example of this - here they can inspire each other and many others to extend the lifespan of consumer goods that we use to burden the planet."
When to call at which harbours
- 03 July: Holbæk
- 05 July: Helsingør
- 06 July: Copenhagen, Ofelia Plads
- 07 July: Copenhagen, Ofelia Plads
- 10 July: Grenaa
- 12 July: Aarhus
- 14 July: Juelsminde
- 16 July: Odense
- 18 July: Middelfart
- 20 July: Haderslev
- 22 July: Assens
- 24 July: Svendborg
- 26 July: Nykøbing F
- 28 July: Karrebæksminde
