Sail Training International Conference 2024: Annual Awards

The Sail Training International Conference 2024 saw delegates across the world of Sail Training and Tall Ships gather together in A Coruña, Spain. Alongside a packed programme of informative sessions and workshops, the two day conference once again recognised significant achievements across the world of Sail Training with the Annual Awards…

And the winners were…

Sail Training Organisation of the Year – Large Vessel: Spirit of Adventure Trust (New Zealand)

Awarded to a sail training organisation, operating larger vessels, that demonstrates excellence in “innovation” and “best practice” in sail training for young people.

Since Spirit of Adventure Trust started operating in 1972, their sail training programmes have touched more than 100,000 young people, allowing them to develop outside of the traditional confines of the classroom.

They aim to educate, empower and engage young people in how they can positively impact their natural environment, both on small and large scale.

Best Newcomer 2024: Cykas (Poland)

Awarded to the vessel that in the opinion of the Race Management Team, Volunteers, Directors and Trustees has made the greatest contribution to The Tall Ships Races in their first year of participation. 

Cykas is a Class D vessel from Poland which joined the The Tall Ships Races 2024 for the first time and made a big impression with their high standards in sail training, seamanship and generally being a great addition to The Tall Ships Races fleet.

Sultan Qaboos Trophy 2024: The Excelsior Trust (UK)

The Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) are old friends of Sail Training International, and for many years now Shabab Oman and Shabab Oman II has been a popular participant in the Tall Ships Races. The Sultan Qaboos Sailing Trophy is presented to an individual, vessel operator or sail training organisation for outstanding services to young people in sail training. 

Based in the UK, The Excelsior Trust offer young people the opportunity for change through experience where young people are encouraged to avoid involvement in antisocial behaviour, petty crime, excessive alcohol consumption and substance abuse.

Through their sail training voyages, when young people board their vessel, they enter another world: a world of adventure and challenge. Their background is set aside in a challenging yet controlled and supportive environment.

Sail Training Organisation of the Year – Small Vessel: Bytown Brigantine Inc (Canada)

Awarded to a sail training organisation, operating smaller vessels, that demonstrates excellence in “innovation” and “best practice” in sail training for young people.

Bytown Brigantine Inc has been operating two 27-foot former navy whalers for over 40 years. During this time, thousands of young people have been able to benefit from education and training in a demanding and rewarding environment, which fosters leadership skills, confidence, self-reliance and long-lasting friendships.

They offer a variety of different voyages, allowing both for different needs as well as for progression.

Sail Training Volunteer of the Year: Asbjørn Vollmer Jeppesen (Denmark)

Awarded to a sail training volunteer to encourage high-performing individuals who deliver sail training to young people.

Asbjørn has been an active member of the sail training community since his early teens, was an active member of the STI Youth Council and is now the International Council representative for his National Sail Training Organisation.

His commitment to improving the sail training experience both nationally and internationally has been relentless and he continues to show real determination in striving to improve both Sail Training International and The Tall Ships Races.

Host Port Trophy 2024: Tallinn (Estonia)

Awarded to the Host Port which has recruited the largest number of trainees and made the greatest contribution to sail training this year. 

The Host Port Trophy always goes to the port who through their funding scheme, made it possible for the greatest number of young people to participate in The Tall Ships Races.

This year’s winner Tallinn funded 134 young trainees to take part in The Tall Ships Races 2024, and 16 to take part in The Tall Ships Races 2023, reaching a total of 150 young people who were able to enjoy the experience of a lifetime.

Janka Bielak Medal: Paul Bishop (UK)

Awarded to the person who has made an outstanding contribution to international understanding and friendship through sail training.

Regarded as a born sail trainer, Paul began his sailing journey at a young age and skippered his first Tall Ships Race in 1983. In a career full of milestone achievements, he became the youngest skipper to have completed a trans-Atlantic Tall Ships Race in 1984 and later one of the youngest Master Examiners for the Royal Yachting Association.

Alongside his notable skills as a sailor, Paul has dedicated his life to youth development working with the Rona Sailing Project, UK Sail Training (ASTO) and later Sail Training International, where he spent over 15 years as Race Director.

In recognition of his services to enhancing the lives of young people, he was made an MBE – Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire – in 2023 for his services to young people, and his receipt of the Janka Bielak Medal further marks his invaluable contributions to sail training around the world.

Lifetime Achievement Award: Jan Vandenborne (Belgium)

Jan has participated in The Tall Ships Races for over 25 years, giving youth of all backgrounds the opportunity of growing within a close nit and supportive environment.

His ship and crew are always much valued members of The Tall Ships Races fleet, and he has become a true friend to many of the captains as well as to the Sail Training International team.

Lifetime Achievement Award: Andrzej Szleminski (Poland)

Having been involved in sail training for over 50 years, Andrzej contributions he has made to young people, our events and to Sail Training International are so many that it is impossible to list them all here.

He was member of the board of ISTA from 2001 to 2003, when the change to Sail Training International was made. He was also Poland’s representative for 13 years from 1993 to 2006. He has been a founding member of Sail Training Association Poland since 1993 and is still involved in the organisation now.

Greatest Loyalty 2024: Spaniel (Latvia)

Awarded to the vessel that in the opinion of the Race Management Team, Volunteers Directors and Trustees, has shown great loyalty towards The Tall Ships Races over many years.

Spaniel has participated in almost every editions of The Tall Ships Races since she was built in 1998. She is always a welcome and welcoming participant in our Events and embodies the true spirit of sail training.

Boston Teapot Trophy 2024: Cuauhtémoc (Mexico)

The Boston Teapot trophy goes to the vessel that sailed the greatest distance within 124 hours with a sail training crew aboard.

The winner of this years’ Trophy, Cuauhtémoc, sailed 1,170 nautical miles, with an average speed of 9,44 kts, between 18:30 GMT 25 September and 22:30 GMT 30 September 2024.

The voyage took place on a voyage between Freemantle and Melborne in the South Australian Basin, during the winning ship’s 42nd training cruise which saw it visit Australia and New Zealand.

Sail Trainer of the Year 2024: Wojciech Maleika (Poland)

Awarded to a professional sail trainer over 25 to encourage high-performing individuals who deliver sail training to young people.

Since 2003 Wojciech has participated in The Tall Ships Races almost every year. He has participated on board various Polish vessels from Kapitan Glowacki, Dar Szczecina and Fryderyk Chopin and as the Captain of Dar Szczecina he continues to participate in our Events.

He is truly committed to youth development through sail training and continues to organise and lead voyages where young people can have the experience of a lifetime.