Szczecin, Poland, opened the final celebrations of the Tall Ships Race 2017 in magnificent style today, 5 August, with a majestic welcome for the Tall Ships fleet…
With the Tall Ships fleet having begun their arrivals in Szczecin on Friday, 5 August, only a few vessels arrivals remain, and the fleet expect to be fully docked before the end of the night. Throughout the arrivals, crowds have lined the Oder river to welcome the fleet to the city.
Crowds lined the Oder river to welcome the Tall Ships
Promoting Friendship Between Nations
With the final race finished, and the competing crews in the fleet eager to find out the results of the 2017 race series, Race Chairman, Knut Western, took a moment in his Opening Ceremony speech to highlight the real focus of these fantastic events.
“The most important prize in the Tall Ships Races is not for winning the race, it is the Friendships Trophy, which is given to the crew which in the opinion of all the captains, contributes most to the ideals of international understanding and friendship.
“At least 50 per cent of the crews on each ship must be in the age between 15 and 25, and they come from every corner of the world, disregarded their national, cultural, religious, social or personal background. And that is what sail training is about: to develop young people in these surroundings.”
Race Chairman, Knut Western, Sail Training International
Also as part of the welcoming efforts here in Szczecin, a press conference was held in the Urząd Wojewódzki administrative building on the Order river. Commander Ali Al Hosni, Commanding Officer of Shabab Oman II (Oman), was in attendance and made special mention of the theme of International Friendship that has been central to the 2017 race series.
“We are delighted to be here in Szczecin.
“I have been in the sail training arena since 1996, and I fully believe in sail training for young people and the way in which the races have been promoting friendship between nations for so long.”
Commander Ali Al Hosni, Shabab Oman II
Festivities for all the Family
Throughout the day, thousands of spectators have been visiting the Tall Ships fleet and taking advantage of an action packed event in the Polish city.
ABOUT SZCZECIN
Szczecin is one of the largest cities in the north of Poland. It’s known as Poland’s “green city of ecology” and it’s famous for its yachting. It also brings the brave vision of the Floating Garden to life. It’s surrounded by water and is situated on the banks of the Szczecin Lagoon, which is the country’s largest reservoir. The western Oder flows into the lagoon, carrying the greater part of the waters from the Oder Basin, which covers nearly one third of the area of Poland.
Follow the event on the Sail Training International Facebook page where we will be posting photos and videos throughout the event.
Photo: Tall ships docked on the Order river in Szczecin.