The Sail Training International Class A Tall Ships Forum was created in 2004 to provide the operators of Class A vessels that are engaged in sail training with:
- a mechanism to assist in the development and expression of a common message with a single voice that is essential to being heard in today’s world, particularly at the international level on regulatory issues.
- assistance and services specifically focused on the needs and interests of Class A vessel operators.
- a neutral forum in which operators of Class A vessels can meet and discuss issues of common interest.
A formal membership scheme was launched at the end of 2004. Within six months more than 60 Class A vessel operators around the world, close to three-quarters of those engaged in sail training, had signed up. We expect most of the rest to sign up in due course.
For more information on becoming a member of the Class A Tall Ships Forum, contact the
Secretary of the Forum.
Who can attend the Class A Tall Ships Forum Meetings?
• A captain or senior serving officer of a Class A ship and/or a senior member of staff or trustee/director of the organisation owning a Class A ship.
• No more than two representatives per Class A ship.
• Others ONLY by invitation of the CATSF Chairman, based on their expertise and relevance to particular agenda items.
What is a Class A Tall Ship?
Class A vessels are defined by Sail Training International as ‘all square rigged vessels and all other vessels over 40 metres length overall engaged in sail training for young people (full-time or part-time)’.
Who manages the Class A Tall Ships Forum?
The Forum is managed by an Executive Committee under the chairmanship of Uwe Delfs Jespersen and two Vice Chairmen, Stephen Moss and Hendrik Boland. The Secretary is Paul Bishop, Head of Race Directorate, Sail Training International. In addition, the Executive Committee form various Working Groups for specific issues as required (e.g. Rig Maintenance, Marketing, Sail Endorsement).