Crews and visitors have enjoyed an incredible three days in Szczecin – the final port of the Tall Ships Races 2017 – and today (Tuesday 8 August) the fleet leaves for new adventures.
Thousands of spectators lined the port quay line to say a final farewell to the undocking vessels before they sailed down the Order river for a final Parade of Sail of the race series on the Polish coast of the Baltic Sea. Race Chairman, Knut Western, thanked the city of Szczecin for organising a fantastic celebration of the Tall Ships.
“Sczcecin has provided an event as promised by the project organization. I think that captains and crews, and our race team have truly experienced the motto “Szczecin jest otwarty” (“Szczecin is open”).
“The project organization delivers based on experience from previous Tall Ships events. They obviously have high competence in all relevant areas. The feedback from captains and crews tells us that things have gone very well. The liaison officers have been experienced and service-oriented, which is good because the liaison system is central and crucial for a good event. Having built up a core organization to provide these services means that Szczecin is well equipped to receive the Tall Ships fleet again.
“I would also like to highlight the infrastructure, both in terms of ship supplies and services, and crew facilities. In addition, the crews and the public can enjoy a quay front that is beautiful, accessible and clean.
“We are pleased to follow Sczcecin in the great vision of the Sczcecin 2050, and there are many opportunities for us to come back during that period.”
Race Chairman, Knut Western, Sail Training International.
Of course, there would be no Tall Ships Races without one crucial ingredient – the majestic fleet of Tall Ships and Small Ships, and Race Director, Mike Bowles had special thanks for all participating ships.
“As ships leave Szczecin at the end of this year’s Tall Ships Races we would like to thank all of them for taking part. It has been great series and it is the variety of ships and nationalities that goes to making such an enjoyable experience.
“We never forget that without them; the ships captains, owners, crews and their beautiful vessels there would be no event. We would like to thank them and wish them safe passage to their next ports, and we look forward to seeing you again in the future.”
Race Director, Mike Bowles, Sail Training International
Final Thoughts from the crews
We always love to hear from the Tall Ships trainees whenever we stop in port, and 2017’s race series is no different. Throughout the event, we’ve chatted with hundreds of trainees about the adventures they have had at sea. Below are just a few of our favourite quotes from the crews…
“Do it! For real, you won’t regret it. Try not to be shy and talk with people, even if they’re much older or younger than you.
“If you keep being happy, it will make your circumstances better, even though they may be bad.”
Tuva, 15, Morgentster (Netherlands)
“I would encourage anyone who was thinking about taking part in sail training as I believe it has provided me with really valuable skills that I will need in life; for example the ability to form an effective team of people who previously never knew each other.”
Charlotte, 18, Challenge Wales (UK)
“You can never have too many warm sweatshirts!”
Milla, 15, Navigator (Finland)
WHAT’S NEXT?
The Tall Ships Races 2017 may have now come to a close, but there is still fantastic Tall Ships action going on in 2017. The Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta is in the midst of its final race leg across the Atlantic Ocean from Halifax, Canada, to Le Havre, France. You can keep up to date with all the action in the race using the YB Satellite Tracking and by reading our daily race reports.
