Only two months until the start of The Tall Ships Races 2014 and fifty nine vessels have already entered. The excitement is building and plans are being finalized for a fantastic summer of sail training, exciting racing and host port festivities.
Race entries are still being taken and all remaining vessel operators are urged to submit their completed entry forms by the closing date of Thursday 1 May 2014.
Ports, times and races
Harlingen, The Netherlands Thursday 3 – Sunday 6 July
Race 1
Fredrikstad, Norway Saturday 12 – Tuesday 15 July
Cruise-in-Company
Bergen, Norway Thursday 24 – Sunday 27 July
Race 2
Esbjerg, Denmark Saturday 2 to Tuesday 5 August
The Races start with a grand port event in Harlingen, The Netherlands. This will be the first Tall Ships event in Harlingen and the most impressive event of the year in the northern region of The Netherlands. Harlingen is one of the oldest seaports in The Netherlands and the Whadden Sea is on the UNESCO World Heritage list for its large marine nature reserve. It is a Tall Ships friendly port and at the forefront of all their activities will be the organization of activities for young people.
From Harlingen the vessels will race to Fredrikstad, Norway, a host port in 2005. The Tall Ship Races in Fredrikstad coincides with the celebrations of the 200th anniversary of Norway’s Constitution and independence. The port therefore promises a social and cultural program to give every crew member and visitor the ‘experience of a lifetime’. The port is at the center of the city, which is rich in culture and has hundreds of years of maritime traditions.
From Fredrikstad vessels and crew can leave race conditions aside and enjoy a Cruise-in-Company to Bergen, Norway – a Tall Ships host port for the fourth time. This will be the biggest and most attractive event in the western part of Norway, with an estimated 500,000 visitors over four days. Bergen is one of the world’s most beautiful natural harbors and promises the experience of a lifetime for the crews.
The final leg is a race from Bergen to Esbjerg, Denmark where a maritime celebration, enthusiastic crowd and great atmosphere are promising to greet the fleet. The port anticipates this to be the event of the year – if not the decade, with the whole community becoming involved – from sports clubs, to shops, restaurants and local businesses.
What is sail training?
Sail Training is an adventure activity, which includes far more than sailing instruction. Participants are required to confront demanding challenges, both physical and emotional. It is an activity that inspires self-confidence and personal responsibility. It promotes an acceptance of others, whatever their social or cultural backgrounds, and develops a willingness to take controlled risks. Those who undertake Sail Training on Tall Ships generally find it a positive life-changing experience.
About Sail Training International (STI)
STI is the international voice of Sail Training, a registered charity (not-for-profit organization), which has worldwide membership and activities. Its purpose is the development and education of young people through the Sail Training experience, regardless of nationality, culture, religion, gender or social background. It organizes the annual Tall Ship Races and other international Tall Ship sailing events. STI members are 29 national Sail Training organizations around the world and STI’s head office is in Gosport, Hampshire, UK.
The organization was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize 2007 for its work in promoting international understanding and friendship.