2024 Torbay Cup Winner Honoured at the Tall Ships Races 2025
The Torbay Cup is awarded each year to the trainee which has been nominated by their captain for their outstanding contribution and personal development during a Tall Ships Races race leg.
Congratulations to Mizuki Saito from Japan; winner of The 2024 Torbay Cup, who was nominated for her outstanding individual achievement and personal effort onboard Roald Amundsen during race leg 3: Mariehamn-Szczecin of The Tall Ships Race 2024.
In recognition of her efforts, she was awarded the trophy and received a 500 Euro bursary from Sail Training International towards a future sail training voyage. We were delighted to catch up with her in Kristiansand during The Tall Ships Races 2025 where she redeemed her voyage and set sail onboard Morgenster.
Hailing from Japan, Mizuki travelled a great distance to join The Tall Ships Race 2024, bringing with her a dedication and warmth that touched the entire crew.
Captain Ulrich Komorowski from Roald Amundsen had these words to say in recognition of Mizuki’s nomination and award:
“Her decision to make the lengthy and expensive journey to our vessel has enriched each and every one of her crewmates with her unique cultural perspective. She has openly shared aspects of her Japanese heritage, allowing us to learn and grow in ways that would otherwise not have been possible. This cultural exchange has been a source of joy, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation amongst the crew.
Often first on deck for her watch, Mitzuki always greets the team with a kind smile and a warm hello and her commitment has not gone unnoticed. She is highly observant and always willing to lend a hand, making sure nobody is struggling with a task. When asked by members of the permanent crew to do something such as climb the rigging, Mitsuki’s hand is always the first to be raised. Quiet yet profoundly supportive she has formed genuine connections with everyone on board. Her consistent contributions during the voyage and her joyful presence has been a source of inspiration to us all.
When she is not on duty ,Mitzuki can be seen spending her time mastering knot tying, splicing, navigating and other seafaring skills, driven by an insatiable curiosity and a deep-seated passion for sailing. Her dedication to personal growth and her enthusiasm for knowledge are matched only by her unwavering commitment to her fellow crew. Overall, Mitzuki embodies kindness, quietly offering friendship and support to everyone onboard. Her enthusiasm and her dedication genuinely embracing German culture make her a standout candidate for this award.”
A huge congratulations Mitzuki!! We hope you enjoy your 2025 voyage and we wish you all the best for the future. Long may your sailing adventures continue.
This year’s Torbay Cup winner will be revealed on the 7th August, during the final prize giving ceremony of The Tall Ships Races 2025 in Esbjerg. We very much look forward to hearing the story of another deserving recipient.
