After over 1,000 miles of sailing, five Host Port events across four countries and over 1,000 life-changing experiences for crews, it was finally time to begin the closing celebrations of The Tall Ships Races 2024 today in Szczecin…
Having departed Mariehamn a little over five days ago, the fleet completed an exhilarating Race Three which saw them faced with a number of tactical choices along the 400 mile route south through the Baltic Sea. The biggest of these was whether or not to pass east or west of Gotland off the coast of Sweden, and with race declarations being collected and the final placings calculated it will be a tense 24 hours as the crews wait to see who found success in the final race.
Away from the eagerly anticipated final race results and overall placings for the series, the crews can now look forward to an amazing reception from Szczecin. A long time friend of The Tall Ships Races, the Polish city famous for its abundant green spaces, welcomes the fleet for the first time since 2017.
Millions of visitors from across Poland and abroad are expected to visit the fleet once again in the coming days, creating the perfect atmosphere to close the world famous race series. The Mayor of Szczecin, Piotr Krzystek, captured the emotions and spirit across the fleet as he welcomed the crews to Szczecin.
“Congratulations on finishing the race! After a seven year hiatus, I am delighted to welcome you back to our port. I am thrilled that this summer, Szczecin is hosting the largest and most beautiful sailing ships in the world, together with all of you.
“The final of The Tall Ships Races is your celebration… You have reached the finish line, and now it is time to celebrate.”
Mayor of Szczecin, Piotr Krzystek
One Last Majestic Arrival
Following on from the exciting final race of the series, the Tall Ships fleet made one final grand arrival in port with crowds lining the riverside, eager to welcome the majestic ships back for the first time in seven years.
Having found their land legs the crews of the fleet can expect a full programme of events and entertainment as they explore the beautiful city, including cultural tours of the Szczecin’s numerous museums and historic sites, inter-crew sports tournaments, live music and more alongside the highly anticipated Crew Parade and final Prize Giving ceremony.
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.
