Definition of a tall ship

The Races are open to any monohull vessel of more than 9.14m water line length, provided that at least 50 percent of the crew is aged between 15 and 25 years old and that the vessel meets Sail Training International’s safety equipment requirements. People of all abilities can take part, even those with mental and physical disabilities. No person under the age of fifteen is allowed on board a vessel during a race, a cruise in company, or any associated events. To take part in the cruise in company, a vessel must also take part in at least one race. Trainees may join for all or part of the race series.

There are four classes of vessel:

Class A

All square – all square-rigged vessels (barque, barquentine, brig, brigantine or ship rigged) with a length of hull (LOA) of over 24 metres and all other vessel more than 40 metres LOA, regardless of rig.

Class B

Traditionally rigged vessels (ie gaff rigged sloops, ketches, yawls and schooners) with an LOA of less than 40 metres and with a waterline length (LWL) of at least 9.14 metres.

Class C

Modern rigged vessels (i.e Bermudan rigged sloops, ketches, yawls and schooners) with an LOA of less than 40 metres and with a waterline length (LWL) of at least 9.14 metres not carrying spinnaker-like sails.

Class D

Modern rigged vessels (i.e Bermudan rigged sloops, ketches, yawls and schooners) with an LOA of less than 40 metres and with a waterline length (LWL) of at least 9.14 metres carrying spinnaker-like sails.