If tall ships racing and sail training is your passion, the International Sail Training and Tall Ships Conference could be a once in a year conference not to be missed.

At least fifteen seminars and workshops, over two days, will provide tailored programmes to meet the needs and interests of vessel operators, sail training programme providers, ports hosting sail training events and anyone with an interest in sail training and Tall Ships races and regattas.

The conference is being held at the Radisson Blu Hotel Latvija, located in the heart of Riga, historic capital of Latvia (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), on 16 – 17 November 2012.

Peter Cardy, Chief Executive of Sail Training International, conference organiser, said: “This is the only global conference for sail training and the perfect opportunity for sail training fans from around the world to gather, network and share ideas. We’ve packed this year’s conference full of practical advice and support – from how to recruit and motivate trainees and volunteers; event planning and economic impact studies, to sponsorship ideas and a chance to talk to experts.

“For vessel operators there are major sessions on exploring the dynamics of extreme weather, looking at Tall Ship stability and exploring approaches to vessel safety and incidents.

“We’ll be offering help on brand and marketing; exploring the importance of partnership working for our media relations and looking at some cutting edge ideas for developing social marketing.

“There will also be feedback from this year’s Tall Ships Races and events and lots of opportunities to share knowledge and ask questions.”

An event highlight is the Gala Dinner (included with the conference ticket) and the official launch of two exciting new races in the Tall Ship calendar:

The Mediterranean Tall Ships Regatta, 21 September – 7 October 2013 (Barcelona, Spain – Toulon, France – La Spezia, Italy)
The Black Sea Tall Ships Regatta, 30 April – 28 May 2014 (Varna, Bulgaria – Novorossiysk, Russia -Sochi, Russia – Constanta, Russia)

You can book your place at the conference here.

Registered delegates are entitled to specially discounted rates offered by Radisson Blu Hotel Latvija and airBaltic (conditions apply).