Helsinki, the capital of Finland, last hosted The Tall Ships Races in 2013 and will welcome the fleet for the fifth time in 2024. With a rich maritime history, unique urban culture and stunning natural landscape, the city is sure to offer a stunning welcome to the international fleet of Tall Ships as they return for the first time in over a decade.
Finland’s capital and most populous city sits on the shore of the Gulf of Finland. Natural inlets and islands along its coast create a striking backdrop for some stunning architecture and bold design. Acting as the creative hub of Finland, Helsinki’s centre creates a wonderful juxtaposition with its immediate natural surroundings.
The annual international competition of large sailing vessels, The Tall Ships Races, which gathers thousands of young people, will be held in the Baltic Sea in the summer of 2024. The event will dock in Helsinki on 4-7 July 2024, and 500,000 visitors are expected to attend. Over 50 impressive vessels have already signed up for the event. The most striking participating ships will arrive from Poland, with the largest being the nearly hundred-meter-long Class A vessel Dar Mlodziezy. Other Class A ships to be seen at the event include the Polish ships Pogoria and Fryderyk Chopin, the Brazilian Cisne Branco, the Ecuadorian Guayas, and the German Kapitan Głowacki. During the event days, the public will have access to a diverse range of free programs. Tove Jansson Park will be filled with activities for children. The harbour areas will offer a variety of restaurant services and live performances.
The program also includes a focus on Baltic Sea conservation with various responsible initiatives. There will be panel discussions and talks related to sustainability. The event area will feature interactive art performances among the audience that will surprise and delight the visitors. The Tall Ships Races sailing event promotes the education and cooperation of young people, regardless of nationality, cultural background, religion and social background. The city of Helsinki will send one hundred young people aged 15-25 to participate as trainees in the race on the participating vessels. The event area will be located in the Southern Harbour, Market Square, Katajanokka, Kanavaranta, and Pohjoisranta areas.