VOLUNTEERS
The Tall Ships Races in Tallinn
Ahoy, adventurous marine enthusiasts! We are pleased to welcome you on board the team of the international sailing training ship regatta, the Tall Ships Races Tallinn 2024. Our team is looking for open, radiant and enthusiastic volunteers.
On 11-14 July 2024, Tallinn is pleased to be the host of the Tall Ships Races.
The Tall Ships Races is the oldest and largest sail training regatta in Europe, bringing nearly 50 large sailing ships to three ports in Tallinn. This extraordinary event takes place at the Seaplane Harbour, Noblessner Harbour and the Old City Harbour and offers a variety of emotions and activities both on land and at sea. As our primary focus is on environmental conservation, the festival itself will also be organised in an environmentally friendly manner.
In addition to Tallinn, the 2024 Tall Ships Races will hosted by Klaipėda in Lithuania, Helsinki and Turku in Finland, Mariehamn in Åland and Szczecin in Poland. The main organiser of Tall Ships Races is Sail Training International. The organisers of the regatta’s Tallinn race include the city of Tallinn, the Estonian Maritime Museum, Port of Tallinn, Noblessner Harbour and the Estonian Youth Sail Training Society.
We accept volunteer applications from 20 November 2023 until 25 April 2024.
Volunteers must be at least 16 years old.
We welcome everyone who loves the sea and wants to contribute to this big, awesome maritime festival!
If you have any questions, please contact:
Ennika Taavet
Volunteer coordinator
E-mail: volunteers@tallshipstallinn.ee
Vivian Tamm
Last summer, I volunteered for the first time at Tallinn Maritime Days, and I vividly remembered that experience! The days were long, there was a lot of socializing and running around. At the same time, it was really fun with fellow volunteers and it was nice to be by the sea all day. I am already looking forward to the Tall Ships Races regatta, which brings such large ships to Tallinn, which are rarely seen - I strongly recommend joining the ranks of volunteers!
Laura Murel
I am happy that I was able to participate in Tallinn Maritime Days as a volunteer, helping to organize various activities and watching how people enjoy this unforgettable experience. Last year's Maritime Days were full of life, joy and a seaside atmosphere, and I was left with a very warm feeling in my heart knowing that I am part of this wonderful community that appreciates and respects the sea and its beauty.
Kristella Männik
I participated in the Tallinn Maritime Days as a volunteer for the first time last year. The whole program was very great and memorable and the organizing team was very supportive. In addition, participating in Maritime Days gave me many new friends, with whom I am still in touch today.
Volunteers do great things in the world, and this event can be just the beginning of your new exciting path.
Give yourself this chance!
We are looking for volunteers for the following activities:
LIAISON OFFICERS (LO) are responsible for ensuring the overall well-being of all fleet members participating in the regatta. They facilitate communication between the ship and the headquarters. LOs keep an eye on the ship crew’s activities, help them navigate the city and assist them when needed. It is important for volunteers to participate in the liaison officer training course before the festival. LOs must speak English at a high level.
CABIN BOYS/GIRLS know everything about everything and work at an information booth or the crew centre. Information booths are located in all ports of the regatta. Cabin boys/girls are responsible for helping (foreign) guests find solutions to all kinds of problems that may arise during the festival. They are familiar with the festival’s programme, know their way around the festival grounds as well as know where all things are located. Cabin boys/girls work according to a schedule. It is important for volunteers to participate in a special training course that introduces the festival’s programme and venue. Great communication skills are useful for this position. Volunteers working at the crew centre must speak English at a high level.
DOCKWORKERS are physically strong and don’t mind building or lifting things. They are willing to help when something needs to be carried or transported from one place to another. Together, they will build stands, install fences and help whenever something must be changed or lifted around. Make sure you have a strong back, because you will likely need to lift heavy objects in this role.
ECO-WARRIORS to save the planet. Their goal is to explain the importance of waste sorting to (foreign) guests and help them do it correctly. Eco-warriors are responsible for keeping the festival grounds clean and directing guests to dispose of waste in the correct bin and return reusable dishes.
THE MASCOT interacts with younger guests at the festival’s children’s area and helps bring a smile to both children’s and adult’s faces.
MOORING MEN are responsible for assisting ships and sea taxis in mooring and giving directions to vessels in queue.
COURSE INFLUENCERS are interested in marketing, content creation and photography. They enjoy taking photos of people and events. More importantly, they are pretty good at it.
LAND SAILORS are the volunteers responsible for operational tasks and are talented and necessary in many ways as they help to organise the festival’s programme and special events on land. In addition to the sailing ships, land sailors play an important role in organising the entertainment programme for ship crews and festival guests. This role requires volunteers who are adaptable and solution-oriented.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
You can find answers to frequently asked questions here.
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CAN I VOLUNTEER REGARDLESS OF MY AGE?
No, you must be at least 16 years old to volunteer at the event.
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ARE MEALS AND ACCOMMODATION PROVIDED FOR VOLUNTEERS?
We offer free meals for volunteers on their working days. Unfortunately, we cannot offer accommodation.
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CAN I CHOOSE WHERE AND WHEN I WANT TO WORK?
When submitting your application, you can specify in which role and at what time you want to work. We will process applications on an ongoing basis. It is recommended that all volunteers are ready to work for at least two days. We will consider the volunteer’s motivation, drive and previous experience when determining the right role for them.
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CAN I WORK IN THE SAME FIELD AS MY FRIENDS?
We will definitely try to take your wish into consideration. At the same time, Tall Ships Races is the perfect event for making new acquaintances and friendships.