Four Host Ports Announced for The Tall Ships Races 2028
Sail Training International (STI) is delighted to announce that The Tall Ships Races will be returning to the Baltic Sea in 2028 with a four-port racecourse which includes Kiel (Germany), Turku (Finland), Tallinn (Estonia) and Szczecin (Poland).
The race, which is due to start on Thursday 22nd June and finish on Tuesday 25th July will see the fleet return to four spectacular host ports and welcomed to Kiel for the first time since 1987.
Vanessa Mori, Deputy CEO and Commercial Director of Sail Training International, comments;
“We are excited to work with these experienced host ports for The Tall Ships Races 2028. We are confident that they will draw on their previous experiences of hosting large scale international Tall Ships events, to provide an unforgettable experience for the fleet, crews, young trainees and visitors and showcase what their beautiful cities have to offer. We have an great partnership with all our host ports, which we look forward to building on for the 2028 race series.”
Deputy CEO and Commercial Director, Vanessa Mori
Magda Makowska, Race Director, comments;
“The race comprises of two extended passages and a relaxing cruise-in-company, which will take the fleet through the breathtaking Finnish archipelago to Tallinn Bay, guaranteed to be a race highlight. Although a challenging race route in terms of race leg duration, this course provides the chance for young people to experience everything that the Baltic Sea has to offer.”
Race Director, Magda Makowska
The Tall Ships Races 2028 is set to be a spectacular event, with four experienced host ports ready to welcome visitors, fleet and crew with a packed programme of cultural activities and celebrations. We look forward to seeing you there.
ABOUT THE HOST PORTS
Kiel, Germany (22nd June – 25th June 2028)
Kiel is the capital city in the northern German state of Schleswig-Holstein and is Germany’s largest city on the Baltic Sea. It joins The Tall Ships Races for the first time since 1987.
Known for a wide range of international sailing events including Kiel Race Week and their annual Kieler Woche Festival, it’s a city who knows how to host and will draw on their experiences to welcome the Tall Ships fleet back in their city and make it an unforgettable event for all involved.
Turku, Finland (6th July – 9th July 2028)
Turku is Finland’s oldest city and its former capital, preparing itself for the 800th anniversary in 2029. Situated on the banks of the River Aura, the vessels will travel on a spectacular route through the archipelago, before arriving in the centre of the city.
The Tall Ships Races 2028 will mark the seventh time that they have hosted The Tall Ships Races since 1996 and for the first time as a Sail Training International Anchor Port.
Tallinn, Estonia (12th July – 15th July 2028)
Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is located on the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland. Tallinn’s Old Town is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe, which is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Following their success of hosting in 2024, the fleet look forward to returning in 2028.
Szczecin, Poland (22nd July – 25th July 2028)
Located on the Oder River, Szczecin is the largest city in Northwest Poland and is considered a major seaport. It is a picturesque city, boasting large lakes and parks and is viewed as the cultural centre of Western Poland with its theatres, libraries and national museums.
Szczecin will welcome the fleet back for the 5th time and are sure to offer a spectacular finish to the race series.
More details on the routes and race-specific information will be announced in due course.
