Sail Training International Statement Regarding Participation in The Tall Ships Races 2022

Like much of the world, Sail Training International is shocked and saddened by the events currently unfolding in Ukraine and wish for a swift end to hostilities and violence.

In light of these events, we have been in discussion with our Host Port partners of The Tall Ships Races 2022 to assess the impact upon its organisation, relating to fleet participation and port access in particular. Following these discussions, the Host Ports of The Tall Ships Races 2022 and Sail Training International have decided that, as the current situation stands, Russian ships will not be permitted to enter the event.

The four host ports of this summer’s Tall Ships Races informed us last week that their governments in Denmark, The Netherlands and Belgium, have forbidden access to Russian flagged vessels to any of their ports. Under these circumstances, Sail Training International is not in a position to supersede the directives from sovereign countries.

It is with deep regret we have come to this conclusion and will continue to review the situation as it develops.

Although Russian ships will be unable to take part in this year’s races, we can confirm we have obtained agreement from the four host ports of the Tall Ships Races 2022 to allow Russian trainees to take part in the Tall Ships Races on board any of the participating vessels.

As the fluid situation around the conflict in Ukraine continues to develop, we will provide further updates regarding event participation.