The Tall Ships Races are an annual tall ships regatta, which is organized by the Sail Training International. The ultimate goal that the regatta pursue is the “sail training” – education of young people and the development of essential life skills on tall ships. Pursuant to STI regulations, half of the crew on each ship must consist of the youth from 15 to 25 years of age.
Usually, two races and one friendly race are held. Despite prizes for winning the races, there are also special prizes for the most friendly crews. The main trophy is awarded to the ship which, in the opinion of the captains and crews of all the ships taking part, has done most to “promote international friendship and understanding”.
This year, the Baltic Tall Ships Regatta will take place on the 500 km long route between Klaipėda in Lithuania and Szczecin. Klaipėda will host a fleet from 5th to 8th June. From there yachts and sailing ships will leave to Szczecin where the great final of the regatta will be held. For the first time Szczecin is going to become not only the final port but also a home for tens of ships and hundreds of sailors. 12-15th of June is going to be a great feast of sailing. Its official opening is going to be held on 12th June 2015 (Friday) at 4 p.m. at the Chrobry Embankment.
Again, the citizens are going to meet the crew and everybody will have a chance to visit the ships moored at the wharfs of Szczecin.
On 13th June 2015 (Saturday) at 4 p.m. the traditional, awaited by the citizens, parade of the crews will take place.
Traditionally, there will be a lot of family activities. The kids’ zone will be placed at Mickiewicza Street where children will have the opportunity to learn new skills in a pleasant atmosphere (drumming workshops, circus tricks), listen to the music as well as take part in sports competitions and various contests.
During the event two stages will be built. The big one, at the Jana z Kolna Street and the small one on Łasztownia. At the small stage and even on the decks of the ships, the sailing songs will resound through the whole day. It is difficult to imagine a sailing event without them.
These are going to be four remarkable days full of amazing atmosphere and thrilling sailing fun.
In the regatta, among others, will take part Polish sailing ships Dar Młodzieży, Fryderyk Chopin, Kapitan Borchardt, Generał Zaruski, Russian sailing ship Sedov. At the Chrobry Embankment we will also admire the sailing ship Jean de la Lune from Great Britain and Brabander from Lithuania.
During the 10th Old-timers’ Rally, to be held as part of the final stage of the Baltic Regatta 2015 (12-15 June 2015), Szczecin will receive some 30 of these extraordinary ships, from Poland and the rest of Europe (Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Great Britain and Russia). Both the residents and tourists visiting Szczecin will have a chance to see such old-timers as the Polish “Zawisza Czarny” sailing ship, and yachts: “Antica”, “Baltic Star”, “Bryza H” and “Bonawentura”. Germans will come to us with their charming Zeesboote units – “Romantic”, “Nordstern”, “Paula”, “Hoffnung” and “Seriola”. Scandinavia will, as usual, be represented by sailing ships – “Joanna Saturna” and “Baltic Beauty”. We will also be receiving a Russian replica of “Shtandart”, the vessel once owned by Tsar Peter the Great.
The great sailing event will end with the sailing parade in the Baltic Sea, during which the ships will spread their majestic sails and will further embark on their sailing adventure
Download programme of the Baltic Tall Ships Regatta 2015 (PDF version)
More information: Baltic Tall Ships Regatta
Photos © Mateusz Szczuplak /Baltic Tall Ship Regatta and Dariusz Gorajski /Forum