The Tall Ships Races 2028

The Tall Ships Races 2028 will take the fleet of tall ships around the Baltic Sea on a four-port racecourse which includes Kiel (Germany), Turku (Finland), Tallinn (Estonia) and Szczecin (Poland).

The race which is due to start on Thursday 22nd June and finish on Tuesday 25th July, will see the fleet return to four spectacular host ports and welcomed to Kiel for the first time since 1987.

This race route will provide the perfect opportunity to enjoy some great sailing, challenge your abilities, make lasting friendships, experience new cultures and embark on the adventure of a lifetime.

Sail Training International’s Commercial Director and Deputy CEO, Vanessa Mori, welcomes the news of the confirmed Host Ports:

“We are excited to work with these experienced host ports for The Tall Ships Races 2028. We are confident that they will draw on their previous experiences of hosting large scale international Tall Ships events, to provide an unforgettable experience for the fleet, crews, young trainees and visitors and showcase what their beautiful cities have to offer. We have an great partnership with all our host ports, which we look forward to building on for the 2028 race series.”

Magda Makowska, Race Director at Sail Training International, adds;

“The race comprises of two extended passages and a relaxing cruise-in-company, which will take the fleet through the breathtaking Finnish archipelago to Tallinn Bay, guaranteed to be a race highlight. Although a challenging race route in terms of race leg duration, this course provides the chance for young people to experience everything that the Baltic Sea has to offer.”

This is set to be a spectacular event, with four experienced host ports ready to welcome visitors, fleet and crew with a packed programme of cultural activities and celebrations. We look forward to seeing you there.

 
About the Host Ports:

Kiel, Germany (22nd June – 25th June)

Kiel is the capital city in the northern German state of Schleswig-Holstein and is Germany’s largest city on the Baltic Sea. It joins The Tall Ships Races for the first time since 1987.
As one of Germany’s major maritime centres and known for a wide range of international sailing events including Kiel Race Week and their annual Kieler Woche Festival, it’s a city who knows how to host and will draw on their experiences to welcome the Tall Ships fleet back in their city and make it an unforgettable event for all involved.

Turku, Finland (6th July – 9th July)

Turku is Finland’s oldest city and its former capital, preparing itself for the 800th anniversary in 2029. Situated on the banks of the River Aura, the vessels will travel on a spectacular route through the archipelago, before arriving in the centre of the city.
The Tall Ships Races 2028 will mark the seventh time that they have hosted The Tall Ships Races since 1996 and for the first time as a Sail Training International Anchor Port.

Tallinn, Estonia (12th July – 15th July)

Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is located on the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland. Tallinn’s Old Town is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe, which is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Following their success of hosting in 2024, the fleet look forward to returning in 2028.

Szczecin, Poland (22nd July – 25th July)

Located on the Oder River, Szczecin is the largest city in Northwest Poland and is considered a major seaport. It is a picturesque city, boasting large lakes and parks and is viewed as the cultural centre of Western Poland with its theatres, libraries and national museums.
Szczecin will welcome the fleet back for the 5th time and are sure to offer a spectacular finish to the race series.
 

We would love to hear from any port who would like to join the four confirmed ports in hosting The Tall Ships Race 2028. If you are interested in hosting this fantastic event, please contact Vanessa.mori@sailtraininginternational.org for further details.