The Tall Ships Races 2025 Set Sail from Le Havre - Strong Polish Fleet Joins the Line-up

The iconic French port of Le Havre transformed into the sailing capital of Europe today as the prestigious Tall Ships Races 2025 officially launched. This globally renowned regatta for large sailing ships gathers thousands of participants and draws millions of spectators annually, celebrating tradition, seamanship, and youth training on the high seas.

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04 july 2025 | 14:36 | Source: Gazeta Morska | Prepared by: Kamil Kusier | Print

fot. Julia Groth / TTSR 2024

The Polish delegation is once again making a strong showing at this year’s regatta, with many vessels flying the national colors. Among the participating ships are the renowned STS Pogoria, Dar Młodzieży, Fryderyk Chopin, Dar Szczecina, Kapitan Borchardt, as well as Kapitan Głowacki, Farurej, Cykas, and Belfer.

Notably absent from the 2025 edition are several vessels that have previously represented Poland in the Tall Ships Races: Bryza H, Bonawentura, Gedania, Generał Zaruski, ORP Iskra, Polonez, Jagiellonia, the yacht Wielkopolska, and the unit representing the Municipality of Police.

Four Countries, Four Ports – The Route of TSR 2025

The regatta's course this year spans four nations and includes five port events:

Le Havre, France – Start (July 4)
Dunkirk, France – July 10–13
Aberdeen, Scotland – July 19–22
Kristiansand, Norway – July 30–August 2
Esbjerg, Denmark – Grand Finale, August 6–9

Among the Polish entrants, STS Pogoria arrives with a 48-person crew following a training voyage across the Mediterranean earlier this year. The ship recently completed a leg from Cascais to Cherbourg, before arriving in Le Havre. Captain Wojciech Wilk is commanding three of the stages, with one segment helmed by Katarzyna Domańska, Vice President of the Polish Yachting Association.

During each port call, participating vessels, including Pogoria, open their decks to the public—offering a rare chance to step aboard historic ships, engage with the crew, and experience the unique atmosphere of ocean-going life.

After the regatta concludes, Pogoria will return to Gdynia, where she will once again be open to visitors from August 16 to 23 at the city marina.

A Legacy That Spans Generations

The Tall Ships Races trace their roots back to 1956, when British lawyer Bernard Morgan organized what was meant to be a farewell race for traditional sailing ships. The event’s overwhelming success sparked a tradition that continues to thrive, blending competitive sailing, maritime education, and international youth exchange. The races are now organized by Sail Training International, a global leader in sail training initiatives.

Polish Excellence in International Waters

Polish ships have consistently ranked among the top performers in the Tall Ships Races over the decades. Among the most decorated is the STS Fryderyk Chopin, a five-time winner in Class A (the category for the largest ships), and recipient of honors such as the Cape Horn Trophy and the Friendship Trophy. The Dar Młodzieży has also claimed notable victories, including overall wins in 1994 and 2001, and the Line Honours award in 2023.

In smaller classes, vessels like Kapitan Borchardt, Dar Szczecina, Belfer, and s/y Kapitan Głowacki have all brought home trophies. A standout achievement was made by s/y Admirał Dickman of the Polish Naval Academy, which in 2013 won the Riga–Szczecin leg outright, outperforming even the largest tall ships on corrected time.

These victories are a testament to the high level of technical preparation and the unwavering commitment of Polish crews—comprising both seasoned sailors and young trainees participating in sail training and educational voyages.

The Polish flag, proudly flown from the masts of these vessels, has come to symbolize excellence, adventure, and maritime passion on the international stage.

Host Ports Wanted for The Tall Ships Races 2029

Looking ahead, Sail Training International has opened applications for ports wishing to host The Tall Ships Races 2029, which will take place in Northwest European waters. Hosting offers cities not only prestige, but also opportunities to boost marine tourism, promote regional identity, and engage communities through maritime culture.