SAIL ON BOARD
At the mast of Omani sailing apprentice Shahab Oman II at The Tall Ships Races 2017 regatta. In the photo Loore Magus
Loore Magus participated in the sailing training program of STA Estonia in 2015, 2016 and 2017.
The city of Tallinn gives young people the opportunity to participate in the sailing training program
Young people aged 15-25 have the opportunity to participate in a competition organized by the city of Tallinn, with the aim of taking part in a great adventure, gaining sailing experience and doing so in an international team.
Sailing training is conducted on the sailboats of the international regatta The Tall Ships Races 2023. As a rule, the fleet consists of both large historic sailboats and modern ocean yachts, and at least half of the crew of each vessel are young people aged 15-25 from different countries, many of whom are making their first sea voyage.
Every sailing ship on which a sailing training program is conducted has a professional team with long-term experience that ensures the safety of the young sailor and the execution of a high-quality program.
Tallinn covers training expenses up to 700 euros per participant and provides places on the ships. Participants must cover a fee of 300 euros and their travel Insurance.
Young residents of Tallinn, aged 15–25 years (inclusive) as per the population registry, can apply for sailing training support during The Tall Ships Races (June 29 – August 5).
The training is available on a sail training ship for one leg of the regatta:
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June 29 – July 6, 2024, from Klaipeda to Helsinki
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July 6 – 13, 2024, from Helsinki to Tallinn
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July 13 – 20, 2024, from Tallinn to Turku
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July 20 – 26, 2024, from Turku to Mariehamn
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July 26 – August 4, 2024, from Mariehamn to Szczecin
Applications is open until April 30, 2024, REGISTER HERE.
Read about the conditions HERE.
Additional information:
Margit Virkus
tel +372 552 2030
Kertu Süld
2023 Den Helder- Hartlepool
During the days at sea, we also experienced the multifaceted face of nature. The regatta passed defying the headwind, and while the first days we had good wind and waves, the sea was beautifully calm and mirror-smooth in the second half of the race. So one of the groups even managed to catch a fish, which was made into a particularly delicious dinner that day!
Koit Krusberg
2023 Den Helder - Hartlepool
I shared a cabin with three Belgians who became good friends and we are going on a mountain trip to Scotland this year. At the end of the regatta, I would have liked to continue sailing, it was such a good experience. And how the food was served, the French chef made such big and delicious dishes that I couldn't finish them
Loore Magus
2015 Kristiansand - Aalborg
2016 Lissabon - Cadiz
2017 Turu - Klaipeda - Szczecin
It was even cooler than I could imagine. One part is what to experience while sailing, and completely other thing is the busy life at ports and interaction with other fleets. The host cities have worked hard to make the TSR participants as great as possible, in the form of various events, parties, and leisure activities.
Elisa Vahur
2023 Den Helder - Hartlepool
The most memorable part of sailing lessons was definitely the great company. Meeting new people from different countries and backgrounds made the whole experience extremely interesting, fun and special. Early morning sunrises on the sea, lunchtime dance parties next to cooking, and evening card games. They will always be remembered.
Kaisa-Maria Vellomäe
2015 Alesund - Kristiansand
2016 Lissabon - Cadiz
If you go sailing in a warm climate, it does not mean that you do not need to bring warm clothes! While being on watch at night, it would still be good to have warm underwear on, because at night it is humid and cool at sea. Also, if you have to sail by the wind, then even in warm climates, the wind feels quite cold.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What does a sailing learner do?
As a sailing learner, you take an active part in all the activities onboard, from setting the sails and steering the ship to cooking and scrubbing the deck. Of course, you will gain a lot of new knowledge about sailing, but above all, there will be a lot of fun, new friends, experiences and memories for a lifetime.
Do I need previous sailing experience?
Everyone is welcome to the regatta, and the necessary training is done by the ship's experienced and friendly crew. The amount of new knowledge depends on the length of the voyage and the weather conditions. The sailing learner is an active member of the crew and takes part in the steering of the ship and the daily routine.
Is there catering?
On the ships, there are generally three meals included in the price. Coffee, tea, and water are available on larger vessels at all times, and snacks can be bought on board.
Where do I sleep?
Depending on the ship, you sleep in a berth (bed) or in a hammock. Before the voyage, find out what you need to take with you on your ship (for example: sleeping bag).
Is there internet/wifi onboard?
In general, ships do not have wifi, and mobile data coverage disappears at sea. One of the aims of sailing learning is to introduce the traditional life of a sailor, which is closely connected with the experience of separation from the outside world. A sea voyage is a great way to "log out" and relax from our usual digital everyday life.
In general, communication opportunities at sea are limited. The crew uses existing technology for important communication with ship control centers on land. In case of an emergency, there is a satellite phone onboard.
What is a "watch system"?
Immediately after boarding, the crew is divided into watch teams. One watch usually lasts 4 hours. On a watch, there are different responsibilities: to steer the ship, work with sails, watch the sea, cook, do dishes, etc. Within 24 hours, one is on watch twice, for a total of 8 hours.
How much does it cost me?
Young people whose address of residence, according to the population register, is the city of Tallinn can apply for participation in sailing training on preferential terms by paying a co-payment of 200 euros. The co-payment provides the participant with a sailing training place on the ship in one stage of the regatta, and if necessary, transport to the starting or ending port of the selected stage, catering and accommodations on board. In addition to the co-payment, a participant in sailing training must take out travel insurance and pay for it.
A young person whose address of residence, according to the population register, is not the city of Tallinn is able to participate in sailing training provided that he or she bears all the costs related to participation in the sailing training. The approximate cost of participating in the sailing training stage is 700 to 1,500 euros, depending on the ship and stage chosen.
How to choose a ship?
The sailing ships participating in the regatta are divided into four classes according to size. See class descriptions here: SAILING-ship classes
Choose an A or B class ship if you want to experience sailing on a real ocean giant and travel back in time to the golden age of sailing ships. Some ships are so large that it can take up to 10 minutes to walk from bow to stern and back. Those who are not afraid of heights can climb masts and yards to set sails.
Sailing on a class C or D ship is a completely different experience. Smaller vessels have a more direct connection to the sea, and the slightest wave is well felt. The focus is more on sporty and practical sailing, and to be successful, you need to be prepared for close teamwork. You should not expect amenities such as a shower or a crew lounge from these ships. Instead, you get plenty of adrenaline and immediate experiences that you want to experience again and again.
Where and how do you sleep?
Accommodation types vary depending on the ship - dozens of people sleep together in one room in hammocks or in a berth (ship's bed) in a cabin for several people. There is little personal space, and it is worth considering it when packing for the voyage at home.
Four recommendations for participants:
Bring warm clothes. You could use a warm/long sports underwear and a warm jacket.
Be active, take part, and ask - so you will learn much more, and the voyage will be more exciting.
Eat and drink properly, even if you have no appetite. On an empty stomach, seasickness is easy to come by.
There is no point in mourning things we cannot control. If it rains and the wind hits your face, don't despair - it's nice to remember later.
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