There is a special reason why people feel so welcome in Halmstad, Sweden – apparently it’s the three crowned hearts on their coat of arms which spreads happiness and thoughtfulness. And we think it’s working!
Halmstad is the start port for the Tall Ships Races 2017 which is racing across the Baltic Sea to Kotka and Turku Finland, Klaipeda in Lithuania and Szczecin in Poland. This seaside, cultured city offers a variety of arts and entertainment, a charming centre, and a strong track record for arranging popular events. And the crews of the 55 strong fleet of ships who are there from 30 June – 3 July have been warmly welcomed with lots of sports and cultural activities, a music festival, fun and games.
The Tall Ships Races 2017 is open: Skepp å hoj
The 61st Tall Ships Races started with an official opening ceremony where Halmstads key messages for the event were celebrated – youth, togetherness and sustainability. The Swedish rain didn’t dampen spirits and the crews turned out in force to cheer on the start of the event. And rumour has it the sun is coming out tomorrow!
“Welcome to the opening of The Tall Ships Races 2017. The ships here in Halmstad, mixed with different activities for young people is a time to make new friends. It’s a real pleasure to welcome the Tall Ships Races 2017 to Halmstad for the second time. I hope that you all will enjoy your stay together with our sailing guests. Hereby the TSR is opened – Skepp å hoj.”
Carl Frederik Graf, Mayor City of Halmstad
“I wish to thank the Halmstad host port organisation and all the volunteers who have worked hard to prepare for this great event. We are grateful, and appreciate what you have done to make the crews, especially the young trainees, feel so welcome.
“The Tall Ships Races is the crown jewel of sail training. Although the crews will meet challenging competition at sea when they start their race to Kotka in Finland on Tuesday 4 July – the main trophy of the races is not awarded for winning a competition. It is won by the crew who contributes most to understanding and friendship, qualities that are becoming increasingly important in the unstable world we see around us. Since the beginning of the races in 1956, the Tall Ships Races have made a significant contribution to the lives of thousands of young people. I believe also a contribution to peace.”
Sigurd Dale, Race Chairman at Sail Training International
Crew ‘To Do’ List
Crews have a big choice of things to do during their time in Halmstad, so there is guaranteed to be something for everyone.
For sports lovers there is free swimming at Halmstad’s largest outdoor swimming pool. The 50-metre pool has a water slide, lanes and pools containing temperate and purified sea water taken from the sea just beside it. Stand up paddling is also free to all crews with Tall Ships Races wristbands, offering the unique opportunity to paddle up the River Nissan and view the event area from the water.
For the more energetic, and those wanting to take on a challenge, a 45-minute high-intensity fitness class is being held on the beach. Plus, there are organised games of volleyball, table tennis and a triathlon for the more competitive crews.
Other free activities include access to the Garnison Museum for local military history; a guided tour of 17th century Halmstad Castle; a tattoo exhibition; gardens and historic buildings and the city library. At Halmstad Tourist Centre there is a free art map to guide you around Halmstads statues, paintings and sculptures;
NEWS FROM THE CREWS: Happy Birthday To You
Seven vessels in Halmstad are celebrating ‘significant’ birthdays this year, so come along and celebrate with them.
Leila (UK) is the oldest and celebrating her 125th birthday. Launched in 1892 she’s a Class B vessel made of solid mahogany. She describes herself as “Pretty tight down below – she was built to race. No individual cabins or television lounges here! We eat, relax and wash-up on deck and just go below to sleep. Your bunk is big enough to stretch out in and for your bag – and it is dry. We run a relaxed boat in port with an emphasis on fun.”
Silesa (Poland) and Tuulelind (Estonia) by contrast are just one year old.
There is a ninety year old from Norway, Sorlandet; an eighty year old from Portugal, Santa Maria Manuela and two seventy year olds from Finland – Astrid and Navigator. And finally, a fifty year old from the UK – Malcolm Miller, who is looking much younger than half a century and has clearly had a very good makeover!
About The Tall Ships Races 2017
Halmstad, Sweden 30 June – 3 July
RACE 1
Kotka, Finland 13 July – 16 July
CRUISE-IN-COMPANY
Turku, Finland 20 July – 1 August
RACE 2
Klaipeda, Lithuania 29 July – 1 August
RACE 3
Szczecin, Poland 5 August – 8 August
All five host ports are experienced and boast a total of 11 Tall Ships Races and Regattas between them. Take a look at each of the race pages to see which vessels are taking part. Many are still looking for trainee crew to join them; simply pick a vessel and go their website to book your place. Or email enquiries@sailonboard.com and our helpful team will do all the hard work and help you find the perfect ship for you!
Follow the event on the Sail Training International Facebook page where we will be post photos and videos throughout the event.
Photos: Banner image – Mircea (Romania), the largest Tall Ship in the Halmstad fleet. Feature image – follow the action at #TSRHalmstad. Both photos courtesy of Sail Training International.