Club season 2025 is open!

On May 3rd, TJK members and the board gathered for the General Assembly, which covered the following agenda items:

1. Review of activities in 2024
2. Approval of the 2024 financial report
3. Presentation of the club’s and sailing school’s plans for 2025
4. Admission of new members
5. Distribution of team clothing to club team members
6. Presentation of club flags to flag harbours

The General Assembly reflected on the achievements of 2024 – well-attended club evenings, successful regattas, and the solid progress of the sailing school demonstrated that club life is more active than ever. The previous year’s financial report was approved, and attention was turned toward the future – an exciting and eventful season lies ahead.

We recognize Andrus Poksi, who in November 2024 became the first Estonian elected to the World Sailing Council. His decades-long contribution to the development of sailing in Estonia and internationally – including as a judge at Olympic regattas and in building the system of race officials – serves as an inspiration to our entire club and the Estonian sailing community.

Also worth highlighting is TJK Sailing School, which was recognized as the best sailing school of 2024 according to the Estonian Yachting Union’s performance rankings. Operating in Kakumäe, Pirita, and Lohusalu, the school offers young sailors a strong training environment, top-level coaches, and a platform to pursue a sporting career. To support the continued development of dinghy sailing, the club helped the school acquire one 49erFX and three 29er class boats this year. The school’s main goal is to develop both single-handed and double-handed sailing equally, giving young sailors the chance to discover the sailing discipline that suits them best.

During the General Assembly, the 2025 club team members were announced and outfitted in new team uniforms. These young athletes will proudly represent us in both domestic and international competitions.

TJK Sailing Team 2025:
Eva-Lotta Soomer, Joanna Ojala, Victoria Sophia Riikoja, Mari Ottesson, Lilian Marie Miller, Kertu Külaots, Katariina Roihu, Remy Tupits, Sten Martin Strand, Eliise Raamat, Tihon Žutskov, Maritta Kiviselg – Marietta Mõtlik, Maria Aleksandra Vettik – Juta Koov, Johanna Koit – Iiris Liira, Helen Ausman – Helen Pais, Maru Reiter – Kaur Villem Väiku

The highlight of the 2025 season will undoubtedly be the Nordic Youth Sailing Championships, which our club will host July 21–26 at Haven Kakumäe. Between 200–300 sailors are expected to compete in the Optimist, Zoom8, ILCA4/6, RS Feva, and 29er classes. Traditional regattas will also continue – the Kakumäe GP Series, Tallinn Race in Seaplane Harbour, Tallinna Jahtklubi Cup in Lohusalu, Tallinn Week in Kakumäe, and the Thursday Series for offshore yachts.

The most anticipated summer event for our members will surely be the beloved Squadron Sail, taking place July 17–20, offering visits to harbours and adventures all along the coastline.

2025 Squadron Sail Schedule and Route:

• July 17: Arrival in Hanko at 15:00, flag ceremony at 17:00
• July 18: Hanko – Högsåra (24 nm)
• July 19: Högsåra – Airisto (23 nm)
• July 20: Airisto – Naantali (19 nm)

An additional stopover will take place on July 16 at the Peek family’s private harbour on Lindudd, Orslandet island.
Registration for the Squadron Sail is open until May 31: https://tjk.ee/toode/eskaadrisoit-2025/

Club flags were ceremoniously presented to our flag harbours – Lohusalu, Old City Harbour, and Grand Holm Marina, symbolizing unity, cooperation, and shared maritime values.

The day transitioned from the official agenda to a more relaxed setting at Puri Restaurant, where one of the day’s most ceremonial moments took place – the changing of the commodore. Valdo Kalm officially handed over the role to Harri Mikk. The transition followed good club tradition – with honour, gratitude, a touch of nostalgia, and eyes set on the future.

The TJK “Mile Skipper” Challenge Trophy goes to solo sailor Anna-Liisa Talts, who logged 6,500 nautical miles in 2024. We wish her success in the Mini Transat 2025 regatta.

Our heartfelt thanks go to all club members, staff, sponsors, parents, volunteers, and board members for their continued support!

The indoor proceedings concluded with a flag-raising ceremony at the club square. Young sailors Lennart Labe, Karmel Elis Purje, Mihkel Joosep Ruut, and Tanel Tammik raised the club flag together with outgoing commodore Valdo Kalm and new commodore Harri Mikk, while Ott Kallas said opening words to the first regatta of the season.

Although the weather was sunny, strong winds and ice-cold water temperatures kept the eager young sailors onshore for safety. But on Sunday morning, after some waiting, the wind returned, and 50 young sailors finally headed out to sea with smiling faces. The first start of the season was successfully launched.

Winners:

• Optimist: Ramses Tupits
• Zoom8: Katariina Matsulevitš
• ILCA 4: Markus Karuse
• ILCA 6: Karmel Elis Purje
• RS Feva: Maritta Kiviselg & Marietta Mõtlik
• 29er: Johanna Koit & Iiris Liira
• 49er: Maru Reiter & Kaur Villem Väiku

Season Opening Regatta results

See you at sea and in the harbours!

Photos by Tiit Aunaste on Facebook
Text: Brigita Sepp