This summer, from July 11 to 14, Tallinn has the honor of hosting the world's largest sailing training ship regatta, the Tall Ships Races. To facilitate the organization of this summer's biggest event, the city invites all individuals aged 16 and older to apply as volunteers for the maritime festival.
Tall Ships Races Tallinn 2024 is looking to welcome up to 500 volunteers to ensure the smooth operation of the festival, both before and during the event. Volunteers are welcome to join as liasion officers, cabin crew, mascots, dockers, unloaders, eco-warriors, course influencers, and deckhands.
Deputy Mayor Kaarel Oja invites everyone to experience this grand maritime festival in a unique way. “Volunteers are indispensable contributors to Tallinn’s culture and sports life, and I deeply admire their work. We invite volunteers to join this grand event. Fortunately, it offers not just the opportunity to ask but also to give. The Tall Ships Races provide participants with experience in organizing an international major event, great new acquaintances from both near and far, and a unique chance to see the interiors of the world’s largest sailing ships.”
Previously, the city of Tallinn has involved volunteers in the organization team of Tallinn Maritime Days, and Vivian Tamm, who volunteered at last year’s event, recommends the experience to everyone. "Although the days were long and exhausting with a lot of interaction with people and running around, it was genuinely fun with fellow volunteers, and it was great to spend the whole day by the sea. One of the highlights was definitely at the end of one day when the harbour master of the Seaplane Harbour offered a small ride in the Tallinn Bay to the volunteers guarding my pier," she added.
Last year, Kristella Männik also participated in the event and noted that the team organizing the event was very supportive, and volunteering tested her language and communication skills. "Participating in the Maritime Days also expanded my circle of acquaintances and gave me new friends with whom I still communicate today. I recommend participating in the event as a volunteer to all young and older people who feel they would like to contribute to one of the biggest maritime events in Estonia and want to introduce their homeland to others. Give yourself this opportunity," Männik shared.
Applications for volunteers are open until all volunteer positions are filled or until April 25, 2024. Volunteer applicants must be at least 16 years old; there is no upper age limit.
During the regatta, the city of Tallinn will host an extraordinary maritime festival at the Seaplane Harbour, Noblessner Marina, and Old City Harbour, offering many emotions and activities both on land and at sea. In addition to Tallinn, the 2024 Tall Ships Races legs will be hosted by Klaipėda in Lithuania, Helsinki and Turku in Finland, Mariehamn in Åland, and Szczecin in Poland. The main organizer of the Tall Ships Races is Sail Training International, with the Tallinn leg organized by the City of Tallinn, the Estonian Maritime Museum, Port of Tallinn, Noblessner Marina, and the Estonian Youth Sail Training Association.
For more information on volunteer activities and application, visit www.tallshipstallinn.ee/vabatahtlikud.
In the picture: Kristella Männik/Private collection