The city of Klaipeda welcomed the Tall Ships Races 2017 fleet in spectacular fashion on the opening day of festivities in the fourth Host Port city of 2017’s race series…
During the Opening Ceremony of the celebrations in Klaipeda, Sail Training International Race Chairman, Knut Western, the Mayor of Klaipeda, Vytautas Grubliauskas, and the President of Lithuania, Dalia Grybauskaitė, addressed an audience of thousands.
During his speech, Race Chairman, Knut Western, made special note of the main aim of the Tall Ships Races; the development and education of young people through the sail training experience.
“Although the crews meet challenging competition at sea, the main trophy of the races is not awarded for winning a competition. It is won by the crew who contributes most to understanding and friendship, qualities that are becoming increasingly important in the unstable world we see around us.
“Since the beginning in 1956, The Tall Ships Races have made a significant contribution to the lives of thousands of young people, and I believe also a contribution to peace.”
Race Chairman, Knut Western, Sail Training International
Over 7,000 participants took part in the Klaipeda Sea Fesitval’s opening parade.
A grand welcome from the klaipeda sea festival
Ahead of the official opening of the Tall Ships Races 2017 event, the Klaipeda Sea Festival began on Friday 28 with a parade through the city from J. Janonio Str, through to the festival site’s main stage. Over 7,000 participants took part in the parade, which was watched by just as many spectators who lined the streets of the route.
The President of Lithuania, Dalia Grybauskaitė, meets Race Chairman, Knut Western, and the Mayor of Klaipeda, Vytautas Grubliauskas, at the Opening Ceremony.
A very special guest
In attendance for the Opening Ceremony in Klaipeda was a very special guest… The President of Lithuania, Dalia Grybauskaitė. Speaking to the crowds of spectators and crews, she welcomed the large international fleet of Tall Ships to Klaipeda and the Baltic region. Following her speech, she toured the Brazilian Tall Ship, Cisne Branco and Omani Tall Ship, Shabab Oman II.
About Klaipeda
Klaipėda first hosted the Tall Ships Races in 2009, and it’s quickly becoming a regular fixture in the sail training calendar. Klaipėda is the third-largest and oldest city in Lithuania, and it’s celebrating its 765th anniversary. This vibrant city has its own university, which acts as a scientific and cultural centre.
Over the course of the next four days in port, the Tall Ships fleet will be treated to a wide range of activities, including; crew volley ball, tug of war and arm wrestling, parties, exhibitions, theatre performances and live music.
You can find the full listing of events in Klaipeda, here.
ABOUT THE TALL SHIPS RACES 2017
Taking part in The Tall Ships Races 2017 is fun – lots of fun. You can take part too – zero experience necessary. Places are available on ships across the fleet on the final race leg, from Klaipeda, Lithuania, to Szczecin, Poland. Just do it ?
Halmstad, Sweden 30 June – 3 July
RACE 1
Kotka, Finland 13 July – 16 July
CRUISE-IN-COMPANY
Turku, Finland 20 July – 1 August
RACE 2
Klaipeda, Lithuania 29 July – 1 August
RACE 3
Szczecin, Poland 5 August – 8 August
All five host ports are experienced and boast a total of 11 Tall Ships Races and Regattas between them. Take a look at each of the race pages to see which vessels are taking part. Many are still looking for trainee crew to join them; simply pick a vessel and go their website to book your place. Or email enquiries@sailonboard.com and our helpful team will do all the hard work and help you find the perfect ship for you!
Follow the event on the Sail Training International Facebook page where we will be posting photos and videos throughout the event.
Photos: The Tall Ships fleet make quick passage during Race 2 of the Tall Ships Races 2017.