This summer, for the first time, Tallinn will host the world's largest international sail training regatta, Tall Ships Races 2024, offering young people aged 15–25 the opportunity to participate in a sail training program. Due to high interest and the unique opportunity, organizers have opened a new round for young people to apply to become sail trainees.
Madis Rallmann, a board member of the Estonian Youth Sailing Training Society and the fleet manager for Tall Ships Races Tallinn 2024, said that sail trainees do not need previous sailing experience, only a strong desire to learn about sailing. "All tasks given on the ship are manageable and since the sail training yachts have an international group of young people, in addition to a great sailing experience, they will make new and exciting acquaintances through the Tall Ships Races," Rallmann added.
Young people who are between the ages of 15 and 25 (inclusive) during the competition period (June 29 – August 5) and live in Tallinn according to the population register can apply for the sail training support.
Participants can join a sail training vessel for one leg of the regatta:
June 29 – July 6, 2024, from Klaipeda to Helsinki;
July 6–13, 2024, from Helsinki to Tallinn;
July 13–20, 2024, from Tallinn to the city of Turku;
July 20–26, 2024, from Turku to Mariehamn;
July 26 – August 4, 2024, from Mariehamn to Szczecin.
The City of Tallinn will cover the training costs and travel expenses to and from the destination. The trainee is responsible for covering a participation fee of €300 and securing their own travel insurance. Young people from other municipalities can also apply, but they would need to cover the entire participation fee of approximately €1000.
The sail training will be conducted on the sailing ships of the international regatta Tall Ships Races 2024. The fleet usually includes both large historic sailing ships and modern ocean yachts, and at least half of the crew on each vessel are young people aged 15–25 from different countries, some of whom will be making their first sea voyage. Every sail training vessel has a professional team with extensive experience to ensure the safety and quality execution of the program for the young sailor.
Applications are open until April 30, 2024, or until suitable candidates are found and places are filled. A total of up to 40 sail trainees will be accepted in this additional round.
For applying to the Tall Ships Races sail training and for more information, visit the website at www.tallshipstallinn.ee/purjeope.
Photo credit: Elisa Vahur
