Putting the ‘international’ into sail training
The Tall Ships Races 2013 ends tomorrow, so trainees and crew representing 33 different nationalities met each other today (Monday 5 August) on board Fryderyk Chopin – a Polish Tall Ship that represented the final host city – Szczecin.
The international sailors came from Albania, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Germany, Greenland, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom and United States of America.
Tomorrow, the Tall Ships fleet will leave the harbour for a Parade of Sail, before leaving for ports all over the world.
For all the trainees who have taken part in The Tall Ships Races this year, the last month has seen thousands of new friendships made and a deeper understanding and respect for different cultures forged.
Each of the host ports – Aarhus, Helsinki, Riga and Szczecin – has given the fleet a fantastic, warm welcome with sport competitions, crew parades and parties, and many other activities. And the crews themselves have arranged fire shows, acrobatics, deck parties and singing and dancing on the quays.
And the crowds of visitors coming to see the ships has been incredible – Szczecin estimated around one million visitors yesterday.
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Editor’ notes:
What is sail training?
Sail Training is an adventure activity, which includes far more than sailing instruction. Participants are required to confront demanding challenges, both physical and emotional. It is an activity that inspires self-confidence and personal responsibility. It promotes an acceptance of others, whatever their social or cultural backgrounds, and develops a willingness to take controlled risks. Those who undertake Sail Training on Tall Ships generally find it a positive life-changing experience.
About Sail Training International (STI)
STI is the international voice of Sail Training, a registered charity (not-for-profit organisation), which has worldwide membership and activities. Its purpose is the development and education of young people through the Sail Training experience, regardless of nationality, culture, religion, gender or social background. It organises the annual Tall Ship Races and other international Tall Ship sailing events. STI members are 29 national Sail Training organisations around the world and STI’ head office is in Gosport, Hampshire, UK.
The organisation was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize 2007 for its work in promoting international understanding and friendship.
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For further information contact Sally Titmus, Communications and Marketing Manager, Sail Training International +44 (0)23 9258 6367, mobile +44 (0)7827 298733 sally.titmus@sailtraininginternational.org
