Since 1996 the BALTIC SAIL Association significantly contributes to the preservation of maritime heritage in the Baltic Sea area. The members jointly organize and advertise maritime events in their cities. Last week, delegates from Germany, Sweden, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Denmark discussed perspectives for the association and possibilities to intensify the cooperation and the support of traditional ships at the Marinmuseum in Karlskrona (SE). The 300 year old city in South Sweden covers an area of 30 small islands located in the Baltic Sea and belongs to the World Cultural Heritage. Main outcome of the meeting was a newly developed funding opportunity for ships to attract the for a cruise in the Baltic Sea.
The Sail Gdansk (PL) from July 2nd until 5th is the prelude to this year´s BALTIC SAIL season. Another highlight will be the Skärgårdsfest in Karlskrona (SE) from July 28th until August 2nd. The greatest festival with more than 200 traditional ships will be the Hanse Sail in Rostock (GER) from August 6th until 9th. Again, the Haikutter Regatta from Nysted (DK) to Rostock on August 5th will be the prelude to the 25th Hanse Sail Rostock. The final of the BALTIC SAIL season will be celebrated at the Riga City Festival (LV). The Latvian capital also hosts the sailing match race between BALTIC SAIL member countries during the Riga City Festival. The winning team will get the BALTIC SAIL Nations Cup, a challenge cup that was donated in 2011.