The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025 has already secured an impressive international fleet of 34 ships, including 14 spectacular Class A vessels, ahead of the Tall Ships return to the city for the first time in almost 30 years.
Billed as Europe’s largest free family event, organisers are on course for achieving their goal of 50 ships berthing at Port of Aberdeen for the four-day spectacular from 19 to 22 July.
Just as impressive are some of the background stories and statistics behind these beautiful vessels, particularly the huge Class A ships, which will be bringing colour and excitement to the Granite City.
The 128 year-old French vessel, Belem, achieved world-wide fame earlier this year when she transported the Olympic torch on the first leg of its journey to the opening ceremony in Paris while the much younger British ship TS Royalist, built in 2014 has the distinction of winning The Tall Ships Races in 2017.
They will be joined by Poland’s Dar Mlodziezy which at a massive 108.82 metres in length is the longest ship confirmed so far – beating its nearest rival, Netherland’s Eendracht by almost 10 metres.
Any new ships coming onboard will have to go some to beat the distance travelled by Capitán Miranda, which hails from Uruguay, some 7,104 miles away from Aberdeen and is operated by the Uruguayan navy.
The anticipation for next year’s spectacle is shared by the ships’ captains, none more so than the skipper of Norwegian vessel, Sørlandet, Captain Tore Skjelbred-Knudsen who already has strong connections with Aberdeen.
Tore said: “As a former student at the University of Aberdeen, I am truly looking forward to visiting the “Silver City” again. Even if it is a couple of decades ago, I vividly remember the charm of the town, the friendly people, the vast culture and all the friends I made during my time there.
“Returning, as part of the Tall Ships Race 2025 fleet, in command of the pride of my hometown Kristiansand; The fully rigged ship Sørlandet, will certainly be a special moment for me. Joined by an amazing crew, I will make sure to let Aberdeen know we are honored to be guests of this beautiful city, and we will do our absolute best to present the Ship and her spirit to this 2025 Tall Ships Race port.”
Equally enthusiastic is Marco van der Werf, who has been captain of Dutch ship, Wylde Swan for almost four years. Marco has the following message for Aberdeen: “Come see these amazing ships, get onboard and interact with the crews to ask them about their experiences.
“This is going to be one big party!”
The event is being organised by Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeen Inspired and Port of Aberdeen, in partnership with Sail Training International, and supported by many organisations from across North East.
Councillor Martin Greig, Aberdeen City Council, said: “The magnitude of the Tall Ships event is really underlined when you look at the amazing histories and sheer size of the vessels as well as the number of ships taking part. We anticipate around 1,500 crew members visiting the city during the four-day celebration of Aberdeen’s and indeed, the world’s maritime heritage.
“The impact on the city and region in terms of the economic benefits and the positive experiences the event will bring cannot be understated.”
Bob Sanguinetti, CEO, Port of Aberdeen, said: “The return of the Tall Ships Races in 2025 will be Aberdeen’s biggest event for a generation. As a city steeped in maritime heritage, with a world-class port, and amazing hospitality and attractions on our doorstep, it’s no surprise that we’re a significant draw for the international Tall Ships fleet.
“We look forward to giving the ships and their crew a warm Aberdeen welcome.”
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “An armada of opportunity is heading for Aberdeen with the exciting news 34 vessels – many the largest sailing ships on the seas – have already signed up for next year’s Tall Ships Races.
“Many more will join this fantastic fleet, putting Aberdeen in the global spotlight and carrying untold economic benefits in its wake. I urge businesses, retailers, restaurants, bars and attractions to get ahead of the tide and discover how they can support – and in turn benefit from – the Tall Ships Races.”
The event is expected to attract 400,000 visits and will provide life-changing experiences for more than 100 young Aberdonians who will sail aboard a Tall Ships, while offering amazing volunteer opportunities for people of all ages.
Last month saw the call go out to young people between 15- and 25-years old living in an AB postcode to apply for their chance to be part of a Tall Ship crew sailing from Dunkirk to Aberdeen or Aberdeen to Kristiansand. Anyone over 16 and available for a minimum of three shifts during the event can apply for their chance to join the Tall Ships Aberdeen volunteer team.
More than 300 people have already applied through The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025 website.
The Tall Ships Races 2025 will take the majestic Tall Ships fleet through the English Channel and North Sea to Le Havre, Dunkirk, Aberdeen, Kristiansand, and Esbjerg.
More about the ships confirmed to date for The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025 can be found here.
