Tall Ships Races Tallinn 2024 has earned international recognition, receiving the Host Port of the Year 2024 award from Sail Training International and the Maritime Act of the Year title from the Estonian Ministry of Climate. These accolades highlight Tallinn's contribution to organizing the international regatta, engaging young people, and promoting maritime culture.

“Tallinn has worked for decades to reconnect with the sea and establish itself as a true maritime city. This year’s Tall Ships Races, particularly its culmination in the maritime parade, felt like a recognition of those efforts. These awards, in turn, are a tribute to everyone who has contributed to this achievement, both this year and in the past,” said Deputy Mayor Kaarel Oja, expressing his delight at the accolades. “We thank all the city’s partners, volunteers, and maritime enthusiasts who played a role in the success of the event. These awards are a shared achievement.”

The Host Port of the Year 2024 award from Sail Training International was presented on November 24 at the prestigious Tall Ships Races gala in A Coruña, Spain, attended by maritime enthusiasts and organizers from around the globe. Tallinn was recognized for funding the participation of 150 young people in sailing training programs in 2023 and 2024, providing life-changing experiences for many.

“Tallinn was a first-time full host port for the Tall Ships Races, and we wanted to recognize their efforts not only in making sailing experiences accessible to local youth but also for the extraordinary effort they put in – the Tall Ships Races Tallinn event was truly fantastic. Many have said that Tallinn’s Crew Party was the best ever!” said Vanessa Mori, Commercial Director and Deputy CEO of Sail Training International, while presenting the award.

The Maritime Act of the Year award was presented on November 26 during a maritime appreciation event at TalTech’s Estonian Maritime Academy. The award recognized Tallinn's consistent efforts in bringing the international regatta to Estonia and turning it into a major event that attracted thousands of visitors and brought maritime culture to a wider audience.

Photo 1: Award recipients (from left): Anni Sahkur and Marje Tõemäe (Tallinn Culture and Sports Department), Mihkel Lindpere (Board Member of STA Estonia OÜ), and Kristel Pedak (Tallinn Culture and Sports Department). Photo by Kris Romanski, Sail Training International.
Photo 2: Maritime Act of the Year award from the Ministry of Climate (photo: Tallinn Culture and Sports Department).