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by Živilė Putnienė
ABOUT THE EVENT
Following the unprecedented challenges that faced Europe’s largest, free family festival in 2020, The Tall Ships Races return in 2021 with an epic double adventure that starts in the Baltic sea with The Tall Ships Races 2021.
The Covid-19 pandemic saw Sail Training International postpone The Tall Ships Races 2020, the first time this has happened since the event was first held in 1956. Following careful planning, the postponed races will follow The Tall Ships Races 2021 – holding two Tall Ships Races series in a single year will be another first in the event’s 65 year history.
The Tall Ships Races 2021 will take place between 26 June and 3 August. During these six weeks, the races will visit Klaipeda, Turku, Tallinn, Mariehamn, and Szczecin.
Klaipeda, Lithuania (27-30 June 2021) – Klaipeda is Lithuania’s symbolic gateway to the world and the third-largest city in Lithuania. The city has many attractions for visitors including the Lithuanian Sea Museum, which is located in the renovated Nerija Fort, and the Old Town. Klaipeda also celebrated its 765th anniversary in 2017 and is looking forward to welcoming the Tall Ships fleet for the fifth time in 2021.
Turku, Finland (5-8 July 2021) – The city Turku is situated on the banks of the River Aura and was previously the capital of Finland. The vessels will travel on a spectacular route through the archipelago, before arriving right in the middle of the city. The Tall Ships Races 2021 will mark the 25th anniversary of the first time the city welcomed the Tall Ships to its heart.
Tallinn, Estonia (15-18 July 2021) – The historic city of Tallinn is the capital of Estonia and recognised as a UNESCO world heritage site. Tallinn’s Seaplane harbour is also home to one of the most modern maritime museums in Europe and is a home port to museum ships. This will be the second time the city has hosted the Tall Ships Races and it will offer a vibrant, youthful and modern atmosphere for visitors and ships.
Mariehamn, Estonia (22-25 July 2021) – Mariehamn is located in the Åland Islands, halfway between Sweden and Finland in the heart of the Baltic Sea. The capital of the Islands has a population of over 11,000 people and is nicknamed “port of the last windjammers” as it was once home to the world’s largest oceanic sailing ships. Mariehamn first hosted the Tall Ships fleet in 1988.
Szczecin, Poland (31 July-3 August 2021) – Szczecin is one of the largest cities in the north of Poland and is located on the banks of the Oder River. The city has a population of over 400,000 and many beautiful tourist attractions and landmarks including the Szczecin Philarmonic building and the renovated Ducal Castle which holds exhibitions and classical concerts. The city will be the final port of the Tall Ships Races 2021 and will welcome the fleet for the fourth time.
CREATING A SAFE TALL SHIPS RACES
Sail Training International are committed to providing safe events – working with our Host Port partners, our main focus is the safety of trainees, staff, volunteers, vessel operators, partners and visitors alike at all times.
The Tall Ships Races 2021 will be a COVID-19 compliant event – working with local and regional authorities, medical experts and other organisations, we are confident of providing a COVID-19 compliant environment at The Tall Ships Races 2021.
Sail Training International have set up dedicated committees to manage the risks posed by COVID-19 in each Host Port stop – measures under consideration include; implementing social distancing, providing on site testing, requiring use of face masks and adapting the event programme.
KEY EVENT MESSEGES
The Tall Ships provide a maritime spectacle and family fun atmosphere – free public access ensures visitors can get up close and personal to the fleet and be participants in the event.
The trainees provide an international festival of youth – the whole event is organised to support youth development, outdoor adventure and challenge at sea.
International friendship and understanding is at the core of the event – Tall Ships Races and Regattas put the host cities and ports on the world stage and ships and trainees come from around the globe to take part. Sail Training International was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007.
Tall Ships Races and Regattas attract millions of international visitors – some 8.6 million people came to see the ships, crews and trainees at Tall Ships Races and Regattas in 2017, more people than those who went to the Rio Olympics and the last UEFA European Cup combined.
The Tall Ships Races attract national and international media coverage – The Tall Ships Races and Regattas offer content for every type of media outlet. From historical ships and in port events, to international human interest features and colourful action spectacles. Each race offers extensive media coverage to the benefit of all those involved in-port.
The event is a civic showcase driving tourism and delivering economic impact – it promotes the city’s brand and demonstrates world class event delivery capability. Proven economic return on investment lies at the heart of the rationale for staging Tall Ships Races and Regattas.
The Tall Ships are One Ocean Ambassadors – around 70 vessels have signed a Sail Training Blue Flag voluntary pledge to follow environmental best practise standards and educate trainees.
ABOUT SAIL TRAINING
What is sail training?
Sail training is a great fun, outdoor adventure activity for people of all ages and abilities. Sail training uses the experience of being at sea to help people learn about themselves, discover hidden strengths and talents and understand the value of working as a team.
• Sail Training is an activity that inspires self-confidence and personal responsibility.
• It promotes an acceptance of others, whatever their social or cultural backgrounds, and develops a willingness to take controlled risks.
• Those who undertake sail training on Tall Ships generally find it a positive life-changing experience.
• Sail Training has a record of considerable success in developing men and women of character and ability for the challenges of life.
What does sail training involve?
• Sail training takes place all over the world and on many different types of vessel.
• It includes instruction in all aspects of sailing, but its purpose goes far beyond this.
• Voyages on small vessels benefit from the intimacy of working on board within a small team.
• Different challenges confront those who undertake sail training on the square-rigged ships, with much demanding work aloft as well as on deck.
Who provides sail training?
Most sail training vessels are owned and operated by charities or foundations, schools or universities, governments or other institutions. Many have funding programmes to subsidise people taking part who could not otherwise afford it. Some also run special programmes for those with physical disabilities, mental or social difficulties.
How much does it cost?
The cost of sail training varies between organisations, ships and countries. Bursaries and funding are available through Sail Training International and many of the National Sail Training Organisations.
Who organises the Tall Ships Races and Regattas?
Sail Training International – a registered charity established to develop and educate young people – regardless of nationality, culture, religion, gender or social background – through the sail training experience.
Sail Training International works with the world’s sail training Tall Ships, National Sail Training Organisations and host ports, to help young people benefit from the sail training experience. It’s the world’s leading provider of Tall Ship races and events.
How can you take part in a Tall Ships Race or Regatta?
People of all abilities can take part, including those with mental and physical disabilities, providing they are over the age of 15. Trainees may join for all or part of the race series, and all ships are encouraged to recruit trainees between the ages of 15 and 25.
Visit www.sailonboard.com for information about future Races and Regattas and vessels entered who are offering berth places.
