The Estonian port of Tallinn has welcomed the Tall Ships Races 2024 into its harbours today and this medieval city is now buzzing with young trainees, crew and spectators. Spectators watched as ships such as Guayas (Equador), pictured above, moored up around three neighbouring harbours.
The official opening ceremony took place this evening in the heart of the event area. The Brass Band of the Tallinn Defence League, and the Estonian Television Children’s Choir took to the stage first, before Mayor of Tallinn, Jevgeni Ossinovski, warmly welcomed everyone to his city, acknowledging the close cooperation that had taken place between the Tallin port team and Sail Training International.
Race Chairman Raul Mimbacas (pictured below, along with the Mayor of Tallinn) then spoke to the crowds.
“First of all I would like to thank the city of Tallinn, to it’s mayor, to the project manager Mária and the entire team for the work and the spirit of collaboration that they have put in throughout the preparation of this challenging event. Without their dedication and effort, it would have been impossible to arrive at such a good port. And here we now are, with 59 ships of 15 nationalities, ready to enjoy what Tallinn has to offer.
This event is organized by the city of Tallinn and by Sail Training International, a non-profit organization that brings together operators of tall ships and young crews from around the world and which started its own journey in 1956. Within our organization 90% of our people are volunteers and its profits are reinvested in the form of bursaries to promote young people getting on board, always trying to benefit the most socioeconomically challenged youngsters.
Our goal is the development and education of young people with no distinction on nationality, culture, religion or social origin so that through sailing they acquire skills that allow them to mature as individuals, become committed members of society, make friends around the world and have fun in the process!
From the adventure of sailing on one of our vessels most, if not all the youngsters come back with an experience so positive that it changes their lives forever. That’s why our motto is “changing lives” and that is why we are here in the rest of Europe and in other places of the world organizing events for 68 years.
Racing in a tall ship is the jewel in the crown of sailing. Even though all vessels strive to obtain first place the most important trophy given to a crew is for those who contribute the most to mutual understanding and friendship – qualities that are becoming increasingly important and necessary in the unstable world in which we live today.
We firmly believe that since its modest beginnings in 1956 the Tall Ships Races has made a transcendent contribution to the lives of thousands of young people. We believe, therefore, that it is also a significant contribution to peace.
Finally, Mr Mayor, I would also like to thank each of the volunteers who have worked hard to prepare for this great event. We are very grateful to them, and appreciate what they do to make the crew, and especially the young people, feel very welcome in Tallinn.
We have four days in port ahead of us and we are convinced that the city of Tallinn will give us a brilliant event that we will all enjoy.”
About The Tall Ships Races 2024
The Tall Ships Races 2024 began on Thursday 27 June and continues through until Monday 5 August, with three exhilarating races and two scenic Cruise-in-Company legs. With Host Ports from five countries – Lithuania, Finland, Estonia, the Åland Islands and Poland – The Tall Ships Races 2024 will take in all the Baltic region has to offer.
The event takes the majestic Tall Ships fleet back to the Baltic Sea for the first time since 2017. During our last visit, over four million visitors came to see the Tall Ships, and we’re sure that 2024 will be just as spectacular.
