Tallinn Yacht Club opened the 2026 season

On the first weekend of May, the board members, active members, and a large number of junior members of Tallinn Yacht Club gathered for the general meeting to ceremoniously open the upcoming sailing season.

Photo album: Facebook photo album

During the general meeting, the club looked back on the activities of 2025, a year characterized by an active club life and dedicated work by the board, successfully organized regattas, and excellent performances by young sailors both in Estonia and internationally.

Commodore Harri Mikk described 2025 as the “year of remarkable women,” highlighting the outstanding achievements of the club’s female representatives. Anna-Liisa Talts became the first Estonian woman to successfully sail across the Atlantic in the Mini Transat regatta, Johanna Poks qualified as an international sailing judge, and the 49er/FX crew of Helen Pais and Helen Ausman was named Team of the Year. The Commodore also gave special recognition to rising 29er sailors Eva-Lotta Soomer and Albert Kepp.

The 2026 season is expected to be equally eventful and already began with the opening regatta held the same weekend in Kakumäe. Upcoming events include the Tallinn Race dinghy series (formerly known as Kakumäe GP), the Thursday yacht races, and traditional regattas in Lohusalu and during Tallinn Week. Small craft skipper training courses will also continue, and a ceremonial season closing is planned for autumn.

All club members are invited to register for the increasingly popular squadron cruise, which this year will take participants on an adventure along the waterways between Kasnäs and Mariehamn.

Sailing School Director Maris Seersant expressed gratitude that the development of the sailing school continues to be one of Tallinn Yacht Club’s priorities. It was also confirmed that the school has been recognized by the Estonian Yachting Union as Estonia’s best sailing school for two consecutive years, while its athletes have achieved remarkable results in international competitions. The school’s focus for 2026 includes attracting more young sailors, expanding training groups, and ensuring balanced development of both single-handed and double-handed boat classes. In this regard, she encouraged everyone to introduce young people to sailing and spread the word that the club’s three branches are welcoming new sea enthusiasts to join the training programs. A strong foundation creates the basis for sustainable development.

As is tradition, the members of the TJK national team were introduced and presented with their official team apparel. This season’s team includes Joanna Ojala, Victoria Sophia Riikoja, Ats Alttoa, Miroslav Dragunov, Karmel Elis Purje, Eliise Raamat, Mari Ottesson, Raul Ottesson, Remy Tupits, Eva-Lotta Soomer – Albert Kepp, Ann Carolin Victoria Vürst – Grete Kant, and Helen Pais – Helen Ausman.

During the general meeting, Annika Tallinn and Raivo Kütt were elected as additional members of the club’s board, and new club members were admitted, further strengthening the community and its future generations.

As part of the ceremony, club flags were presented to the flag harbors of Lohusalu, Old City Harbour Marina, and Grand Holm Marina, symbolizing cooperation and a shared maritime identity.

At the flag square, the Miilikipper travelling trophy was awarded to Karl Gustav Annus, and the Commodore handover ceremony took place, during which Harri Mikk congratulated Helena Raud, the first female Commodore in the club’s history, on taking on this important role. The ceremonial part concluded with the hoisting of the club flag, after which the young sailors took to the water for the opening regatta.

This year’s weather closely resembled last year’s conditions, with Saturday’s wind disappearing almost entirely, leaving barely enough breeze for one race on Sunday. Although the sea water remained winterishly icy, the sailors’ faces were warmed by an almost summery sun. A total of 51 athletes across eight different boat classes completed four races, and the best performers were awarded Tallinn Yacht Club medals.

Results: Manage2Sail results page

It is also a pleasure to note that Tallinn Yacht Club has developed its own strong community of race officials who now naturally organize all TJK regattas, are in demand throughout Estonia, and are capable of delivering major international competitions at a very high level.

We thank all club members, athletes, coaches, and parents for a successful 2025 season. We hope to see all of you during the new season both at club events and out on the water!

Text: Brigita Sepp