The first Tall Ships’ Race in 1956 was a race of 20 of the world’s remaining large sailing ships. The race was from Torbay, UK to Lisbon and was meant to be a last farewell to the era of the great sailing ships. However, public interest was so intense the Sail Training International Race Committee formed a founding organisation and has since organised Tall Ships’ Races and Regattas annually around the world, attracting hundreds of ships and millions of spectators.

The Tall Ships’ Races are designed to encourage international friendship and training for young people. The races are held annually, usually in European waters, and consist of two racing legs of several hundred nautical miles, and a “sail in company” between these races. At least half of the crew of each ship participating in the races must consist of young people aged 15-25 years.

In 2017, five ports are hosting the annual Tall Ships Races, which will take place across the Baltic Sea. Between them they have experience of eleven Tall Ships Races and Regattas and are eager to welcome the international fleet. For more information visit Sail Training International.