The stamp issue The Tall Ships Races will be released on 24 July when the world’s largest sailing regatta returns to Åland. “As a proud sponsor, Åland Post celebrates the event with a salty stamp created by Åland stamp veteran, illustrator and sailing ship master Allan Palmer. The stamp shows young people learning to sail on a traditional sailing vessel – an image that reflects the competition’s spirit of teamwork, seamanship, and international exchange,” says Johanna Finne, Marketing Design Manager at Åland Post Stamps.

Stamp artist Allan Palmer is an experienced ship master and has illustrated more than 30 stamps for Åland Post. Taking part in the sailing event himself, Allan has embraced the maritime traditions, focusing on the maritime education and fellowship of young people.

Stamp sheet

Sailing vessels of various types and sizes participate in the international Tall Ships Races. Illustrated on the stamp sheet are sailing vessels of the various classes, from class A which are large square-rigged sailing vessels, to class B with traditionally rigged ships, and the smaller “ordinary” sailing boats in classes C and D.

First day cover with first day cancel

The issue comes with a first day cover with the stamp cancelled with a first day cancel showing some of the different ship classes of the competition. On the first day cover, young people haul the sheet and stand at the helm of the sailing vessel.

Maximum card with special cancel

The issue also includes a maximum card, on which the new stamp is stamped with a special cancel commemorating the event. The special cancel shows young people standing at the helm of a sailing vessel. Three Åland ships grace the maximum card: the 4-masted barque Pommern, the galeas Albanus with 2 masts, and the sloop Alanta. The postage-paid symbol on the address side of the card is an interpretation of the pennant to be raised by all participating ships during their visit to Åland. Postage from Åland to any destination in the world is thus included in the price of the card.

It will be the fifth time that Åland welcomes The Tall Ships Races and, this year, Mariehamn is host port of the last sailing leg to Szczecin in Poland. The event runs from 24 to 27 July 2024 in Mariehamn’s Western Harbour where the ships will rest side by side. Boat crews and festival goers will be treated to an extensive range of food, drink, musical performances, and maritime activities.

• Name The Tall Ships Races 2024
• Date of issue 24 July 2024
• Artist Allan Palmer
• Design Johanna Finne
• Edition 40 000
• Denomination Världen (€3.40)
• Price FDC €4.40
• Price maximum card €4.50
• Stamps size 40 x 30 mm
• Sheet size 2 × 12 stamps
• Paper 110 g/m2
• Perforation 13 per 2 cm
• Process 4-colour offset
• Printer Cartor Security Printers

Order the stamp, first day cover and maximum card at alandstamps.com, by post to Åland Post Stamps, P.O. box 1100, AX-22111 Mariehamn, Åland, Finland, e-mail stamps@alandpost.com or telephone: +358 18636639.