A Coruña 2024 Conference Programme

Facilitator/Speakers: Murray Henstock and Vernon Harten-Ash

Synopsis:  This session invites attendees to explore the evolving field of research in sail training, examining the transformative impact that these experiences have on youth and adult participants alike. As the body of knowledge around sail training grows, so does the need for high-quality, evidence-based research that accurately captures the outcomes of these unique programs. Attendees will gain insights into some of the latest studies and get support in extracting relevant information that can assist in their relevant areas of need.

During this hands-on workshop session we will aim to equip participants with the tools and knowledge to conduct research aboard their own vessels, regardless of their prior experience with academic research. We’ll cover the essential steps for designing studies that measure both qualitative and quantitative outcomes, discuss ethical considerations, and share practical strategies for gathering meaningful data at sea. Using real-world examples, we’ll explore how to overcome common challenges such as data collection in remote environments and participant observation.

Throughout the session, participants will be build their capacity to design and implement their own research projects and contributing valuable insights to the field of sail training. This session is ideal for sail training operators, program leaders, and educators who wish to measure the impact of their programs, improve their offerings, and support the broader sail training community by sharing their findings. Join us to chart new waters in sail training research and learn how to capture the profound effects of these experiences on the lives of those who participate.

Speaker biographies:

Murray has been involved with sail training in a range of capacities since 2000 and is currently the chair of the Membership & Communications Working Group for the Australian Sail Training Association. As a sail trainer and high school science teacher he seeks to connect teachers and students with sail training.
In 2013 Murray conducted preliminary research into the impact sail training has on student engagement with education and learning and is now investigating the impact sail training has on teacher pedagogy.
Murray’s previous work includes the exploration of how trainees learn and the components of an effective youth development program as well as the redevelopment and expansion of the ‘Youth Development Program’.

Vernon qualified as a doctor in Birmingham, UK and served for nine years as a medical officer in the Royal Navy. On leaving the RN he joined the NHS for a short time as an Accident and Emergency physician and GP before joining the pharmaceutical industry.

Additional roles have seen him working as a Non-Executive Director for a variety of organisations from small start-ups to larger, established genomic companies based in Cambridge. He frequently lectures at the university in Cambridge and in 2014 he was elected to the Chair of the Council of the Royal Yachting Association.

In his spare time Vernon is a keen yachtsman, working as an RYA Yachtmaster Instructor for Shearwater Sailing School, in the East of England. He is a volunteer member of the staff on SV Prolific with Ocean Youth Trust, providing adventures under sail for young people. Since 2021 he has supported Sail Training International with preparations for Covid management during races and supporting research activities looking into the positive impact of sail training on the life outcomes for young people.

Speaker:  Magda Makowska

This Captains-only workshop serves as a continuation of last year’s session on Racing Rules, now broadening its scope to conduct a comprehensive review of the Tall Ships Races event. This year’s agenda will cover essential updates on race regulations, refined strategies for race course planning, and enhancements to in-port activities, all aimed at enriching the experience for both Captains and crews.

Captains are invited to participate in collaborative discussions to exchange insights, refine ideas, and contribute to the evolution of a more engaging and memorable Tall Ships Races event.

Speakers: Project Managers from Klaipeda, Helsinki and Tallinn

Facilitator: Vanessa Mori

A valuable opportunity to learn from this year’s host ports.  As well as event and financial overviews, find out what they think worked well, what they might do differently another time, how they overcame challenges, how the event impacted on local businesses and what advice they would give to future host ports.

Speaker biographies:

Marianne Saukkonen was the Project Manager of the Tall Ships Races Helsinki 2024 in Finland this summer. She has an extensive background in big city events and event production and works permanently for the Helsinki Events Foundation. 

Facilitator/Speaker: Aoibhinn Lynch, Vice-Chair, Sail Training International Youth Council

In this session, the Sail Training International Youth Council will present their recent projects aimed at attracting Indigenous youth to sail training opportunities and maritime careers, and expanding environmental initiatives under the Blue Flag scheme. Delegates will gain unique insights into how the Youth Council is addressing key challenges and opportunities in sustainability and inclusivity within Tall Ships Races.

This is a chance for ports, vessel operators, and NSTOs to learn about the Youth Council’s initiatives, see how these align with their goals, and discuss potential collaborations. By connecting with our youth council representatives, delegates will come away with fresh ideas and practical steps for working together to achieve our collective mission and aims.

Speaker:  Magda Makowska

This Captains-only workshop serves as a continuation of last year’s session on Racing Rules, now broadening its scope to conduct a comprehensive review of the Tall Ships Races event. This year’s agenda will cover essential updates on race regulations, refined strategies for race course planning, and enhancements to in-port activities, all aimed at enriching the experience for both Captains and crews.

Captains are invited to participate in collaborative discussions to exchange insights, refine ideas, and contribute to the evolution of a more engaging and memorable Tall Ships Races event.

Speakers: Kimmo Hyyppä, Kamil Szykołowski and Project Manager from Mariehamn

Facilitator: Alan James

A valuable opportunity to learn from this year’s host ports.  As well as event and financial overviews, find out what they think worked well, what they might do differently another time, how they overcame challenges, how the event impacted on local businesses and what advice they would give to future host ports.

Speaker biographies:

Kimmo Hyyppä is Project manager of The Tall Ships Races Turku 2009, 2017, 2021 (cancelled), 2024 and The Culture 2011 Tall Ships Regatta, program producer in The Cutty Sark Tall Ships’ Races Turku 2003.  Also Event co-ordinator in the city central administration, major city festivals and other major events.   Kimmo has a Master of Arts (musicology, University of Turku), is a former member of the South-West Finland Art Council and the board of Finland Festivals organisation and a producer for many kinds of festivals and events in culture, sports and other fields. He also project manages EU-projects, lecturing in university and higher education levels.  

Kamil Szykołowski had been associated with the City of Szczecin since 2019 as Head of the promotion and marketing team at the Sailing Center Szczecin.  Kamil has held the post of Sailing Operations Manager for Sail Szczecin 2023, The Tall Ships Races 2024 and Sail Szczecin 2025.  He was co-organizer of The Tall Ships Races 2017, Sail Szczecin 2021,2022 and 2023 and the Tall Ships Races 2024.  He has focused on cooperation with sailing ships, ship owners and foreign partners since 2019.

Speakers: Knud Helge Robberstad, Nathalie Beloso, Saleem Mohammed Al-Jahwari, Sara Abdur, Jack Dignan, Becky Nelson

This session will aim to raise awareness of the under-representation in sail training of young people from ethnic minorities and of colour.  During the session, contributors will highlight the need to recognise and address the issue to ensure that sail training can be truly inclusiveRepresentatives from two experienced Tall Ship Races Host Ports will give an overview of how they propose to tackle inclusion as they prepare to host the Event.  Representatives from two sail training vessels will also share their experience and insights.

Delegates will then be invited to participate in a workshop to reflect on the extent of inclusion in their own environments and consider how they might improve in this regard.  The aim of the session is both that of raising awareness and also to offer concrete take away actions ideas to ensure that our community continues to strive to be as inclusive and welcoming as possible.

Speaker biographies:

Jack Dignan has been the chairperson of the Sail Training International Youth Council since 2020, having been the UK representative to the youth council since 2017. He has also been a trustee for Sail Training International since 2023.  His first sail training voyage was in 2014 with Ocean Youth Trust South, and he has since sailed as a volunteer on a number of sail training vessels around the world. Following his first Tall Ships Race from Antwerp to Lisbon in 2016, he has been involved in promoting and getting more people sailing at numerous festivals, events, and conferences since. Beyond sail training, Jack works in London as a researcher in coastal engineering and machine learning. He continues to fit in as much sailing as he can around his work.

Nathalie Beloso has worked in the event industry since 2005. From 2005 until 2020 she has worked for the City of Antwerp, helping to put on national and international sporting events, music festivals and The Tall Ships Races in 2016. From 2020 to 2022 she has been the team coordinator events for the Port of Antwerp-Bruges and worked to welcome The Tall Ships Races 2022. Since 2022 she became the new event director for the City of Antwerp and looks forward, as the first Anchor Port, to welcome the Races every 4 years, starting in 2026.

Speaker: Andrew Moll

Facilitator: Ian Lerner

Drawing on accidents investigated by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch, the talk will explore why we enjoy a sense of ‘schadenfreude’ from hearing of someone else’s misfortune but also why we seldom seem to learn the lessons from those misfortunes.

Speaker biographies

Captain Andrew Moll, OBE BSc AFNI Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents

Andrew Moll joined the Royal Navy in 1978 as a seaman officer. He served in the Falklands Conflict before specialising in anti-air warfare, serving in destroyers and aircraft carriers. Andrew worked in the MOD in Naval Operations and for the Chief of Defence Staff, before joining the Marine Accident Investigation Branch in 2005. He was appointed as the Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents in October 2018.

Away from work, Andrew’s activities involve boating, including as an RYA Powerboat Trainer and Yachtmaster. He is one the Younger Brethren of Trinity House, the Chairman of Trustees for Southampton Sea Cadets and a trustee for CHIRP

Speakers: Christelle de Larauze and Knut Arne Gjersten

Facilitator: JR Arends

Built in 1896 to bring cocoa beans from Brazil for the chocolate maker Menier, the three-masted Belem had only a short career as a merchant ship (33 campaigns). She is still preserved in seaworthy condition, but in the course of her colorful history, she has changed her role twice: firstly, between 1914 and 1951, when she was transformed by two British noblemen into a luxury yacht, successively the Duke of Westminster and the Honorable Edward Guinness, and secondly, in 1951, when she was transformed by Count Vittorio Cini into a school ship for orphans and cadets.

Now owned by a private foundation set up after her purchase in 1979, she is still operated as a civilian training ship. In 1984, it was classified as a historic monument. Every year, it takes on board 2000 people who experience life aboard a tall ship as it was in the 19th century.

The three-masted Belem’s business model relies on a loyal sponsor, the Caisse d’Epargne (a major French bank),, which finances half her annual budget, and a community of aficionados who visit, support her and embark aboard. Its fame reached its peak when she appeared before the eyes of the world on May 8, 2024, carrying the Olympic flame for the Paris 2024 Games, from Athens to Marseille, after a 12-day Mediterranean crossing, with young people from French disadvantaged areas.

Today, it’s France’s favorite boat. By what miracle has one of the the world’s oldest three-masted sailing ship find herself at the heart of the Olympics and the news?

The SØRLANDET, a majestic full-rigged ship, is more than just a vessel; she’s a testament to Norway’s rich maritime heritage and a beacon of youth empowerment. Built in 1927 as a training ship for young sailors, the SØRLANDET has weathered the storms of time and adapted to the changing tides of society.

Originally conceived as a traditional sailing school, the SØRLANDET faced economic challenges due to the rapid advancements in technology. However, the ship’s unique qualities and the enduring value of hands-on learning proved to be invaluable. Over the decades, the SØRLANDET has evolved to meet the needs of a new generation, offering programs for cadets, women, and international students.

Today, the SØRLANDET is home to A+ World Academy, a prestigious international school that combines a rigorous academic curriculum with practical maritime training. By blending traditional seafaring skills with modern education, the academy focuses on the whole person and provides students with a unique opportunity to develop leadership qualities, global awareness, and a deep appreciation for the natural world.

This presentation explores the fascinating history of the SØRLANDET, from her humble beginnings as a training ship to her current role as a floating classroom. We will delve into the ship’s impact on countless lives and her enduring legacy as a symbol of adventure, education, and cultural exchange.

Speaker biographies

Christelle Hug de Larauze discovered the three-masted Belem in her role as Sponsorship Manager for Caisse d’Epargne. In 2008, she organized the Belem’s participation in the 400th anniversary of Quebec City. In 2011, she takes over the management of the Belem Foundation, organizing Belem’s participation in the Queen of England’s Jubilee and the London 2012 Olympic Games. At the same time, she modified the Foundation’s operating model to increase commercial revenues and break even. Each year, she devises a sailing program enabling 2000 people to experience life aboard a tall ship.

She negotiates the Belem’s participation in maritime festivals in France and Europe and opens Belem to 80,000 visitors a year. She supervises the human resources and maintenance of the ship, entrusted to a ship manager, plans restorations of the ship’s various spaces and raises funds to finance them.

She publishes various works on the ship. In 2023, with Caisses d’Epargne, she launches the first integration internships for young people aboard Belem. In 2024, she organizes the Mediterranean crossing of the Olympic Flame between Athens and Marseille, in the presence of 16 young people from French disadvantaged areas.

Knut Arne Gjertsen, CEO of Stiftelsen Fullriggeren Sørlandet and A+ World Academy GmbH, has a long history of strategic leadership in various companies. His tenure at these organizations has been characterized by a commitment to preserving the SØRLANDET, ensuring organizational excellence, and promoting global education.

Through strategic leadership and change management, Gjertsen has driven the success of educational initiatives and aligned organizational goals with community needs. As Chairman of A+ World Academy, he leverages his expertise in strategic development to foster innovation and organizational growth. His leadership skills have been instrumental in steering both institutions towards a future of sustained impact.

Speakers: Anna Piskorska, Weronika Karpińska, Francesca Violich Kennedy

Join us for an inspiring session on building and managing youth volunteer teams.

This presentation will showcase the successful strategies employed by Szczecin’s volunteer team, providing insights into effective recruitment, motivation, and team management. Participants will gain valuable tools for organizing volunteer work, with real-world examples and interactive discussions led by experienced leaders in youth engagement.

This hands-on workshop is designed to equip attendees with practical methods and creative ideas to enhance their own volunteer initiatives.

Speaker biographies:

Speakers:  The Project Managers of The Tall Ships Races 2025 – Le Havre, Dunkirk, Aberdeen, Kristiansand and esbjerg

During this session, vessel operators are invited to come and discuss specific business requirements, including trainee requirement and other income generating opportunities with the Project Managers of the Host Ports of The Tall Ships Races 2025.

After a brief initial overview of the racecourse and an overview of the contractual commitments the host ports have made on trainee numbers and other income generating opportunities, the Project Managers will be happy to have one to one conversation with the vessel operators to discuss your specific needs.  A not to be missed session for any vessels who have planning to or are considering entering The Tall Ships Races 2025.

Facilitator: Jonathan Cheshire, STI Chairman

Speakers: Krzysztof Romański and Max Mudie

Facilitator: Ben Clark

This session will offer the unique opportunity to learn from two professional marine photographers who have worked in the world of Tall Ships and sail training for many years about the ways to generate the maximum value when capturing these magnificent ships.

You will learn about their experiences capturing ships at sea and in harbours, and take away practical tips and lessons on capturing professional images yourself and also creating effective briefs for in event media teams.

Speaker bigraphies:

Max Mudie first sailed on a tall ship in 1987 (just before the hurricane that flattened Southern England) and that began his love of tall ships. He’s not sure when he first picked up a camera but two years at Art College taught him everything about film-based photography. He photographed his first race in 1991. Chasing tall ships under sail has taken him all over the world. More recently he has been videoing the events in port and the ships at sea for Sail Training International. Away from tall ships he has snapped corporate PR, yacht races, youth sports events, cars, hotels, weddings and, of course, conferences. His home is in Gosport, UK 

Kris (Krzysztof) Romański is a Journalist, reporter, photographer, tall ship buff. He has been taking pictures of maritime events since 2007. He published two photo albums, two books on tall ships (Pogoria, Fryderyk Chopin), and did feature articles following his voyages on several tall ships, including Gloria, Eagle, Union, Cisne Branco, Santa Maria Manuela and Juan Sebastian de Elcano. He was a news correspondent for Polish media from Velas Latinoamerica 2018 and 2022 as well as the Dar Młodzieży round-the-world cruise in 2018.

Facilitator: Vanessa Mori

During the first part of this session delegates will be updated on the outcome of the discussions had during the session in Dunkirk in 2023: STI ‘s initiatives to facilitate communications between ships and ports as well as the initiatives taken by the contracted host ports for TSR2025 and TSR2026 to meet ships commercial needs when participating in The Tall Ships Races. 

The second part of the session will be run as a workshop and delegates will be invited to consider what makes the best in-port experience for crews and trainees.  We will focus on events such as the Captains Dinner; the Crew Party; Sport and Cultural Activities for trainees and the Captains Social Programme. 

Sail Training International will use the feedback received during the session to upgrade the TSR experience for participants. 

Facilitator/Speaker: Murray Henstock

In this session, we delve into the potentially powerful connections between youth development, sail training, and formal educational curricula, demonstrating how experiential learning aboard tall ships can be integrated with traditional classroom objectives.

Tall ship programs offer unique opportunities for young people to build resilience, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills in ways that traditional classroom settings may struggle to achieve. By aligning these immersive experiences with educational curricula, educators can create rich, meaningful learning pathways that enhance both academic and personal growth.

In this hands-on workshop, will explore how sail training can align with key curriculum areas, including STEM, humanities, and social and emotional learning. We will discuss practical strategies for linking real-world maritime activities and challenges to curriculum outcomes, and seek to develop a framework for educators and program leaders to develop a pathway that can support both educational and youth development goals.

We aim for attendees to leave with insights on creating curriculum-linked learning experiences that leverage the unique environment of tall ship sail training. This session is ideal for educators, youth program facilitators, and sail training practitioners looking to bridge the gap between experiential learning at sea and curriculum-based education, equipping young people with the skills they need to thrive both academically and personally.

NOTE: Where possible, we will be asking you to access portions of your national curriculum to explore those connections unique to your setting.

Speakers: Murray Henstock and Lena Weweler

This session will focus on the importance of self-evaluation in tall ship programs, demonstrating how self-evaluation toolkits can be powerful instruments for measuring youth development outcomes and the effectiveness of the activities onboard.

Tall ship experiences provide an ideal setting for fostering essential life skills, including resilience, teamwork, leadership, and adaptability. However, effectively capturing the impact of these programs requires structured self-assessment methods that not only track growth but also provide insights for continuous improvement.

In this hands-on workshop session we will explore practical approaches for implementing self-evaluation toolkits tailored to the unique environment of tall ship sail training. We’ll discuss how to use these tools to monitor key development areas, helping program leaders and educators assess outcomes, recognise progress, and identify areas for further support. The session will help showcase ways in which these assessments can deepen participants’ reflections, enhanced program quality, and help demonstrate measurable impacts on personal growth.

Attendees will gain hands-on knowledge of utilising existing self evaluating tool kits as well as how to design or adapt these tools so that they can be both accessible and impactful, suited to a wide range of ages, skill levels and program outcomes.

Ideal for sail training practitioners, youth program facilitators, and educators, this session will provide attendees with actionable strategies to enhance the effectiveness of their programs, working towards ensuring every voyage fosters growth and learning in meaningful, measurable ways. Join us to learn how self-evaluation can serve as a compass, guiding both participants and programs toward greater development and success.

NOTE: You may need to access a copy of your program as there will be opportunities to use the toolkit during the session.

Speakers biographies:

Murray has been involved with sail training in a range of capacities since 2000 and is currently the chair of the Membership & Communications Working Group for the Australian Sail Training Association. As a sail trainer and high school science teacher he seeks to connect teachers and students with sail training.In 2013 Murray conducted preliminary research into the impact sail training has on student engagement with education and learning and is now investigating the impact sail training has on teacher pedagogy.

Murray’s previous work includes the exploration of how trainees learn and the components of an effective youth development program as well as the redevelopment and expansion of the ‘Youth Development Program’.

Lena Weweler is a passionate part time sail training volunteer within the Sail Training Assocation Germany with a watch leader position onboard Alexander von Humboldt II. Having started her sail training career in 2004, she sailed on numerous small to tall ships with her favourite voyages being an Atlantic crossing and sailing in Icelandic waters. Her greatest interest lies in trainee development and motivation. In addition, Lena holds a position as Trustee in Sail Training International and is part of the three-member presidium of the Sail Training Association Germany. She works as Team Leader in Employer Branding and HR Marketing in an international construction company. Her next big project is to convince her four-year-old son of the benefits of sailing.

Speakers:  Vanessa Mori, Paul Bishop and Samantha Leonard

Speakers:  Reinoud van der Heijden, Captain Sune Blinkenberg Thomas van Es

During this session, vessel operators and sail trainers will be able to hear how different stakeholders are working to ensure that Tall Ships continue to strive to be as environmentally friendly as possible.  This is a not to be missed session for anyone who is keen to hear the latest developments and initiatives from those at the heart of the industry.

The session will cover  the perspectives of a vessel operator, a naval architect and a naval ship yard. The session promises to be informative, practical and inspirational.

Speaker biographies

Reinoud van der Heijden (NL) started participating in Tall Ships Races from an early age as a trainee and onwards as a crewmember. For over 20 years now he has been involved in the logistical/operational/commercial management of Tall Ships.  He has worked on board the Stad Amsterdam for a few years in the early 2000’s and for the last 7 years he is the operations manager for this vessel, working from the office in the Netherlands.

Captain Sune Blinkenberg (DK) has over 20 years experience in the maritime sector, having managed and commanded multiple tall ships. He is captain of the Stad Amsterdam for nearly 2 years now. With his interest in innovation and experience in the field, he will be able to shed a light on sustainability in theory and practice.

Thomas van Es started working at Dykstra Naval Architects in 2008, following several years as a full-time crew member on various tall ships, including the Clipper Stad Amsterdam, Wylde Swan, and Noorderlicht. He studied Marine Engineering with a focus on square-rigged vessels, specializing in the design and engineering of square rigs, deck and sail plans, exterior styling, structural engineering, and refit projects. As both a project manager and naval architect, he was responsible for designing the Shabab Oman II and her sister ship Polang 8. He is currently involved in the new build project for Young Endeavour II. Additionally, Thomas teaches at the Dutch Enkhuizen Nautical College.

Speakers:  The Project Managers of The Tall Ships Races 2026: Aarhus; Harlingen; Antwerp; Stavanger; Aalborg

THE HOST PORTS INVITE SHIPS TO COME AND DISCUSS BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

During this session, vessel operators are invited to come and discuss specific business requirements, including trainee requirement and other income generating opportunities with the Project Managers of the Host Ports of The Tall Ships Races 2026.

After a brief initial overview of the racecourse and an overview of the contractual commitments the host ports have made on trainee numbers and other income generating opportunities, the Project Managers will be happy to have one to one conversation with the vessel operators to discuss your specific needs.

A not to be missed session for any vessels who have planning to or are considering entering The Tall Ships Races 2026.

Speakers: Francesca Kennedy, Abbey Stroud, Jack Dignan

Facilitator: Jack Dignan

This session explores the trainee profiles of those who join the Tall Ships Races today and those we aim to welcome in the future. Our speakers will share their experiences in reaching Indigenous communities and other groups who are often underrepresented in sail training. They’ll discuss practical ways to connect with these communities and will start a discussion to develop ideas to attract more young people to get involved.

Following the presentations, we’ll open the floor for a discussion where delegates can share ideas on reaching new groups and look at the roles different stakeholders can play in making sail training more attractive to more young people. We’ll also introduce a new toolkit designed to help explain the benefits of sail training, so it’s easier for all of us to introduce it to new audiences. This session will aim to equip you with ideas and resources to expand and diversify our trainee community.

Speaker biographies:

Jack Dignan has been the chairperson of the Sail Training International Youth Council since 2020, having been the UK representative to the youth council since 2017. He has also been a trustee for Sail Training International since 2023.

His first sail training voyage was in 2014 with Ocean Youth Trust South, and he has since sailed as a volunteer on a number of sail training vessels around the world. Following his first Tall Ships Race from Antwerp to Lisbon in 2016, he has been involved in promoting and getting more people sailing at numerous festivals, events, and conferences since.

Beyond sail training, Jack works in London as a researcher in coastal engineering and machine learning. He continues to fit in as much sailing as he can around his work.

Facilitator: Steve Moss