Tall Ships races Cruise-in-Company -Turku-Maarianhamina 20.-26.7.2024
part of the international atmosphere among large sailing vessels. This leg is part of the summer Tall Ships Races event in which the Schooner Helena is participating. This leg is the second of the summer legs without competition. During this sailing adventure, you'll have the opportunity to explore the Finnish archipelago alongside international sailing acquaintances. On the Cruise-in-Company leg, all the participating large sailing ships will navigate their chosen routes through the archipelago, heading towards the next host city. This leg promises a summer sailing experience at sea. It begins in Turku and concludes in Mariehamn. Sailing will introduce you to new people, both on Helena and on other international vessels. You will undoubtedly learn not only about seamanship and teamwork but also challenge your own limits.
In the summer of 2024, the Tall Ships Races event will be celebrated in the Baltic Sea. The Tall Ships Races event starts in Klaipeda at the end of June and concludes in Mariehamn at the beginning of August. Host cities of the Tall Ships Races organize onshore activities for the crews, such as a crew parade, crew celebration, and various daytime activities. The Tall Ships Races event always culminates in a grand sail parade in the host city, marking the start of the crew's unforgettable journey in the Baltic Sea.
On our voyages, we never have just passengers on board; we have full-fledged crew members who participate in all the daily sailing tasks, from deckwork and sail maneuvers to maintenance, cleaning, and cooking. All tasks are taught, and no one is responsible for anything alone. Sailing follows a watch system, where duties and "shifts" rotate throughout the day.
The price of the sailing includes full maintenance during the voyage, equipment (if needed, loan of sailing gear, life jackets, and safety lines), the program, saunas, and showers in ports, as well as professional guidance in all the daily tasks on the sailing ship according to the Sail Training principle.
The price does not include travel to the departure or arrival port, insurance, or independent activities/shopping in ports. Please carefully review the booking and cancellation terms before making a reservation.
Is this sailing suitable for a first-timer/ is this sailing challenging enough for an experienced sailor?
The "ease" or "challenge" of sailing depends on many factors: weather conditions, the length of the sailing day, the size and composition of the group, personal preferences, and fears – just to name a few.
In principle, all our sailings should be approached as an adventure, and anyone can join a sailing experience regardless of their prior sailing experience. We believe that on every sailing, everyone learns something new, whether it's about sailing, ships, navigation, themselves, their own limits, or other people. In practice, all our sailings include both beginners or those with very little sailing experience and more experienced sailors.
Weather conditions play a significant role in how challenging the sailing is perceived. However, there are substantial personal differences: one may find coastal sailing in summer headwinds challenging, while another may not be bothered by strong autumn winds at open sea. If you have concerns about the "challenge" of the sailing, it's advisable to call our office and provide more details about your background.
When should I arrive at the port of departure or book fares to home from the arrival port?
You can arrive at Helena on the first day of the leg at 3 PM and the leg ends on the specified last day at 12 PM. It's recommended to plan any transfers and journeys outside of these times.
When and how is sailing paid?
The sailing will be invoiced by email well in advance before the sailing trip. The sailing fee is paid in a single installment, and the due date for the invoice is the first day of the sailing. Therefore, no payment is made at the time of booking. Please note that the reservation for the sailing is binding.