After years of planning and preparations, the Lithuanian city of Klaipeda welcomed the Tall Ships fleet for the start of The Tall Ships Races 2024.
As the vessels arrived in the sunlit port of Klaipeda, they received a stunning welcome with crowds lining the port eager to start four days of celebrations. With four days of attractions, live music, sports and more, the crews and spectators were eager to get the party started.
A warm welcome from the race chairman
To officially mark the opening of the event, the Race Chairman of The Tall Ships Races 2024, Raul Mimbacas, joined the Mayor of Klaipeda, Arvydas Vaitkus, and Minister of Transport and Communications, Marius Skuodis, for the event’s Opening Ceremony.
Before a ceremonial raising of national flags representing the countries of the participating ships, he thanked the city whilst taking time to highlight the important focus of each race series – youth development.
“I would like to thank the city of Klaipeda, its mayor and the entire project team for their tireless work and the spirit of collaboration that they have put throughout the preparation of this event. Without their dedication and effort, it would have been impossible to arrive at such an amazing port event.
“As organisers of this event with the city of Klaipeda, our goal as Sail Training International 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 and committed members of society.
“Even though all vessels strive competition 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 have made a transcendent contribution to the lives of thousands of young people.
“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 here in Klaipeda.”
Race Chairman, Raul Mimbacas
About The Tall Ships Races 2024
The Tall Ships Races 2024 will start on Thursday 27 June and continue 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 will take 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.