QUOTE:
About sailing in Haapsalu in summer 2008


Press report of Haapsalu Town Government

In recent weeks there have been several addressings to Haapsalu Town Government with a question if Haapsalu Port remains closed for the guest yachts in summer. As a reply, Haapsalu Town Government can report the following:

• According to the data of the town government, Suur-Holmi Port in Haapsalu will remain closed in summer 2008 as the national commission verifying the preparedness for navigation found several shortcomings in the port for which the permit for the opening of the port was not issued. The decision of the commission was not forwarded to Haapsalu Town Government. Thus the town government can not comment the contents of the decision. In addition we report that the town government does not open or close the ports. Arising from Ports Act of Estonian Republic, it is regulated and organised on the state level.


• In Veskiviigi Port, the neighbouring port of Suur-Holmi Port (former yacht club port of Haapsalu) the reconstruction works are not completed for which the port can not officially provide the port services. As the yachts arrive in Haapsalu, the yachts with a draught up to 1,5 m are enabled to be berthed. Yachts with a draught bigger than 1,5 are assisted personally but it is necessary to notice in advance before the arrival in the port.


• Quality service of guest yachts and existence of the ports is very important for Haapsalu Town. Haapsalu has been a port town already historically and sea tourism and sea tourists are always welcome in Haapsalu. Sailing is one of the oldest sports that has at all been cultivated in Haapsalu. Although the forthcoming summer in Haapsalu can be littered with worries arising from many reasons, the town government does all possible so that by the navigation period of 2009 the small ports in Haapsalu would be officially open and all guest yachts would be expected and welcome.