The Tall Ships Race coming to Turku in 2017, 20-23 July
The great sailing event will be back in Turku for the fifth time. Turku has a successful record of organising the event in 1996, 2003, 2009 and 2011.
Every time the event has been a major spectator event in Finland attracting a record number of visitors.
The unique atmosphere in Turku is created by the fact that the ships can sail into the very heart of the city. All ships are moored in a very small area on both banks of the river Aura, which divides the city. Therefore, all services can be found close by and the atmosphere is lively and intensive.
The Tall Ships Races event in 2017 will begin in Halmstad, Sweden, from where the ships will sail to Kotka, Finland. From there the ships will sail to Turku and then continue their journey to Klaipeda, Lithuania. The final port of the race is Szczecin, Poland. The sailing leg between Kotka and Turku is a transition leg (Cruise-in-Company), which is not a competitive event.
Through experience Turku has developed the Tall Ships Race event to a high level, including the necessary port services, programme outline, services to crews and opportunities for the business sector during the event. The event strengthens Turku’s profile as a seaside city and as an organizer of maritime events. For the City of Turku the Tall Ships Race event and youth sailing activities are an important part of an active city, lively culture and international activities.
The year 2017 will mark the 100th anniversary of Finland’s independence. The Tall Ships Race in Turku will be part of the centenary programme.
