by Marek Błuś
Although steam overtook wind in propelling ships in the 19th century, some 100 years ago the 'forest of masts' still towered over many ports, especially small Nordic harbours where schooners used to load wood.
In the 1920s and 30s, this 'sailing woodland' became thinner and thinner, to eventually disappear in the 1950s.
Well, almost! There are 33 tall ship masts that still proudly rise above Baltic quays, plus another 23 pieces if we add training vessels carrying three masts or more and if at least one of them is rigged with yards.
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