Turku Celebrates the Return of The Tall Ships Races
Following an exciting second race from Tallinn, the Tall Ships fleet finished making their way into Turku on the fourth stop of the The Tall Ships Races 2024.
With vessels arriving along the River Aura since Tuesday, excitement had been building all week for the majestic return of the Tall Ships fleet for the first time since 2017. Captains and crews triumphantly made their way alongside, eager to explore the Finnish city and exchange experiences from a life-changing voyage.
To officially begin the celebrations an Opening Ceremony was held that saw the Mayor of Turku, Minna Arve, and Race Chairman, Raul Mimbacas, welcomed visitors to begin the celebrations and reminded everyone of the core values of the event.
“I would like to thank the city, the Mayor, the entire Tall Ships Races team here in Turku for their hard work and collaboration with Sail Training International that has brought us here again.
“Sail Training International, since 1956, has been bringing together operators of Tall Ships and young people from around the world. We turn profits into bursaries for young people, especially for those who may otherwise not be able to take part.
“On the ships we see them gain skills that will be with them for life, not only sailing skills, but important life skills, with mutual understanding and friendship at its heart – increasingly important in today’s unstable and troubled world.
“If you know a young person who may benefit from the challenge, please take the first step and visit our website to find out how to make it happen. But before we head out to sea, we have four days in port ahead of us and as we have witnessed several times before, we know that the people of Turku will make our crews and trainees very welcome.
“So thank you for your very warm welcome and have fun everyone!”
Sail Training International Race Chairman, Raul Mimbacas
Highlights from Race Two
The tension is building until we find out the winners from Race Two, here’s some standout moments from the race.
About The Tall Ships Races 2024
The Tall Ships Races 2024 began on Thursday 27 June and continues through until Monday 5 August, with three exhilarating races and two scenic Cruise-in-Company legs. With Host Ports from five countries – Lithuania, Finland, Estonia, the Åland Islands and Poland – The Tall Ships Races 2024 will take in all the Baltic region has to offer.
The event takes the majestic Tall Ships fleet back to the Baltic Sea for the first time since 2017. During our last visit, over four million visitors came to see the Tall Ships, and we’re sure that 2024 will be just as spectacular.
