23 – 26 July 2009.

The sailing competition, The Tall Ships' Races, is an annual event held in European waters with the Tall Ships visiting the Baltic Sea region only every fourth year. For the third time Turku, in southern Finland, will be one of the host ports.

The big sailing ships will be berthed along the Aurajoki River’s banks from Thursday to Sunday 23-26 July 2009. The vessels will start racing from Gdynia in Poland to St. Petersburg and will then arrive in Turku. The vessels will continue racing from Turku to Klaipeda in Lithuania.

On the previous two occasions when Turku hosted the event, 1996 and 2003, they attracted nearly a million visitors and were the biggest events in Finland that year.

100 magnificent class A, B, C and D sailing ships are due to arrive in Turku at the end of July. The vessels are some of the greatest sailing ships in the world. Many of the ships are open to the public during their stay.

The event area extends from the Martinsilta Bridge towards Turku Castle on each side of the Aurajoki River. The official opening of the event takes place on 23 July 2009 at Varvintori Square. A full and free programme will take place around the visit.  Highlights will include the Crew Parade, the Prize ceremony and the race start at Airisto. Top concerts, stalls and different performances will be arranged along the banks of the river, at the Varvintori Square and on a stage which will be set up in front of the maritime centre, Forum Marinum.