Crowds flocking to see the fleet Tall Ships Races 2017 fleet in Kotka enjoyed spontaneous performances of international music, singing and dancing featuring trainees from Romania, Oman, France, Brazil and the Netherlands on Saturday (15 July).
A total of 30 nationalities are represented in Kotka and the cultural exchanges form a major part of the life-changing experience for many of the trainees taking part.
forging international friendships
Mikhalky George, 18, from Kerch in Crimea is sailing on board STS Sedov, which at 108.7m in length is the largest sail training vessel in the world. He said he had enjoyed his time in the “beautiful and interesting” city of Kotka.
“The crew party last night was fun – I met people from many different countries including the UK, the Netherlands and France as well as other parts of Russia. It is interesting to meet people of different nationalities from all over the world.”
At last night’s Prize-Giving Ceremony the Norwegian vessel Sorlandet, which had a total of 13 nationalities on board for Race 1 from Halmstad to Kotka, won the Most International Crew Award.
CAPTAINS’ BRIEFING AHEAD OF CRuise-in-company to turku
At the Captains’ Briefing at the Maritime Centre Vellamo, final arrangements were confirmed for tomorrow’s departure and Parade of Sail before the Cruise–in-Company to Turku.
According to the latest forecast shared with the captains at the briefing, a light westerly breeze is expected for the departure.
New trainees embark on the adventure of a lifetime
Today was a crew changeover day with many young people stepping ashore after their adventures of a lifetime to make way for the next groups of young to step on board.
Many took part in training activities including going aloft to learn important skills for the voyage ahead and enjoyed a unique perspective on the bustling event area in the process.
For the departing trainees there was a last chance to try a wide range of activities including Tug o’ War, street basketball and indoor surfing on Saturday.
On Sunday the vessels will start to leave the docks at 14:00 and the Parade of Sail will commence at 15:00.
About the Tall Ships Races 2017
The Tall Ships Races 2017 is taking place in four different countries and five ports, with three exciting race legs across the Baltic Sea and a spectacular Cruise-in-Company. The event has attracted an incredible fleet of more than 100 vessels, and participation from an awesome number of trainees from around the world. There are trainee places available on each of the race legs and the Cruise-in-Company – book your place directly with a participating vessel.
GET On BOARD
Want to get involved with the Tall Ships Races 2017? There are still berths available – secure your place today! Check out our event page for more information. Book your place directly with a participating vessel.
Photo: Trainees representing the 30 different nations taking part in Tall Ships Races 2017 on various vessels get together on board Solandet in Kotka.