A host of prominent organisations with Aberdeen roots and international reach have signed up to support The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025 as the world-renowned, sailing extravaganza returns to the city for the first time in 28 years.
(In alphabetical order) ASCO, Aspect: The Strategic Communications Experts, Balmoral Group, Equinor, Global Maritime, John Lawrie Metals, OPITO, Peterson Energy Logistics, and Serica Energy snapped key sponsorship packages to be part of Europe’s largest free family event, which is expected to draw 400,000 visits and 50 Tall Ships to Aberdeen from 19 to 22 July 2025.
Aberdeen City Council, Port of Aberdeen and Aberdeen Inspired worked together on the successful bid to host the event.
Sir Jim Milne CBE, Chairman and Managing Director, Balmoral Group, said: “We’re a company deeply rooted in Aberdeen’s history and recognise the significance of supporting this spectacular event.”
Sponsorship packages are in high demand, with the headline Host Port Sponsor position among the few remaining top-tier opportunities, and there are a wide range of opportunities available for organisations of all sizes and budgets. Sponsorship benefits range from branding and media coverage to exclusive onboard parties, VIP access, and volunteering opportunities.
Matthew Williams, Lead Officer for Tall Ships, Aberdeen City Council, said: “We are delighted to announce our first sponsors and deeply appreciate their early support. The enthusiasm from the business community has been incredible, and we look forward to welcoming more sponsors soon.”
Business support is essential to fund and support 100 young people from all backgrounds to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience onboard a Tall Ship. Recruitment will begin later this year for Sail Trainees targeting those aged 15 to 25 living in an AB post code to sail from Dunkirk, France to Aberdeen, or from Aberdeen to Kristiansand, Norway.
Bob Sanguinetti, CEO, Port of Aberdeen said: “The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen is a unique event for businesses to align their brand with diverse groups across the city including volunteers, youth organisations, schools, the third sector and more.”
The Tall Ships festival will transform quaysides at Port of Aberdeen’s North Harbour and the North end of Union Street into a world-class events venue. Beginning on Friday 19 July with the fleet’s arrival and opening ceremony, the city centre will buzz with more than 1,500 sailors joining the international crew parade the next day, featuring live music, dance, and theatre.
The ships set sail for Kristiansand, Norway, on the 22nd of July. This departure will be marked by a parade of sail along the beach esplanade, offering a memorable farewell.
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “It is fantastic to see the first wave of sponsors giving such vital support to The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025. This is a once-in-a-generation chance for city businesses to put themselves in the spotlight on an international platform while helping ensure the Tall Ships even is a massive success both for themselves and for the city and wider region. I would urge as many as possible to seize this opportunity.”
Businesses can find out more about the sponsorship packages by contacting Leanne Sinclair, Sales & Sponsorship Coordinator for Mearns & Gill, at leanne.sinclair@mearns-gill.com, calling 01224 646311 or visiting the sponsorship page.
