Following the withdrawal of Turku and Mariehamn from The Tall Ships Races 2021, Tall Ships Races International Ltd. (TSRIL) and the Tall Ships Races 2021 Host Ports of Klaipeda, Tallinn and Szczecin, have jointly agreed to cancel The Tall Ships Races 2021.
It is with a very heavy heart that we announce this decision, but TSRIL and the Host Ports have been forced to recognise the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
All parties had hoped that by now the pandemic would be further under control allowing for the successful return to international travel. However, after the withdrawal from The Tall Ships Races 2021 of Turku and Mariehamn last week and the ongoing restrictions in the other Baltic countries, it has become clear that The Tall Ships Races 2021 cannot take place as we had hoped.
As organisers of The Tall Ships Races, TSRIL and our Host Port partners are committed to providing safe events for trainees, staff, volunteers, vessel operators, partners and visitors alike. With this in mind, we hope that everyone affected by this decision will understand and appreciate the circumstances which have led to it.
This has not been an easy decision for anyone involved and we would like to extend our warm and heartfelt thanks to all of the Baltic Host Ports for their commitment and hard work to date in trying to ensure that the Event could go ahead.
Whilst The Tall Ships Races 2021 will not go ahead, the host ports remain committed to welcoming the Tall Ships Fleet this summer and are making plans for alternative arrangements to hold their own local events. Further announcement of any revised arrangements and dates will follow in the coming days.
Whilst we are deeply saddened that The Tall Ships Races 2021 is cancelled this year, we all very much look forward to the Tall Ships Races returning to the Baltic in its trademark spectacular fashion in 2024.
The thoughts of everyone at Tall Ships Races International Ltd and the organising parties of Klaipeda, Turku, Tallinn, Mariehamn and Szczecin continue to be with everyone affected by COVID-19 in these difficult times.
Klaipeda is Lithuania’s symbolic gateway to the world and the third-largest, and oldest, city in Lithuania. The city has many attractions for visitors including the Lithuanian Sea Museum, which is located in the renovated Nerija Fort, and the Old Town. Klaipeda also celebrated its 765th anniversary in 2017.
turku, Finald
The city Turku is situated on the banks of the River Aura, and was previously the capital of Finland. The vessels will travel on a spectacular route through the archipelago, before arriving right in the middle of the city.
Tallinn, Estonia
The historic city of Tallinn is the capital of Estonia and recognised as a UNESCO world heritage site. Tallinn’s Seaplane harbour is also home to one of the most modern maritime museums in Europe and is a home port to museum ships.
Mariehamn, Åland Islands
Mariehamn is located in the Åland Islands, halfway between Sweden and Finland in the heart of the Baltic Sea. The town has a population of over 11,000 people and is nicknamed “port of the last windjammers” as it was once home to the world’s largest oceanic sailing ships. Mariehamn first hosted the Tall Ships fleet in 1988.
Szczecin, Poland
Szczecin is one of the largest cities in the north of Poland and is located on the banks of the Oder River. The city has a population of over 400,000 and many beautiful tourist attractions and landmarks including the Szczecin Philarmonic building and the renovated Ducal Castle which holds exhibitions and classical concerts.
