For more than 70 years, The Tall Ships Races have shaped countless life stories, transforming ordinary journeys into extraordinary adventures. From young people overcoming fears and a confidence they never knew they had, to unexpected friendships that cross cultures and oceans, to the tales of participants who even found their soulmate on deck, the experience leaves an imprint that lasts a lifetime.
*Disclaimer* The stories and photographs shared below are personal contributions provided exclusively for use on our platforms. They are not permitted for copy, publication, or use by journalists and media outlets without written consent.
A Story Written by the Sea
Meet Arancha and Alexis – whose story began during The Tall Ships Races 2023.
‘We always say that our story feels like it came straight out of a movie, and I would love to be able to share it with you.
My partner took part in The Tall Ships Races 2023 and arrived in Cádiz (my city) aboard the training ship Cuauhtémoc as a cadet of the Mexican Navy. I visited the ship, but I didn’t see it… However, he did see me.
That same day, when the ships had just arrived, I sat in front of the Port of Cádiz, enjoying the atmosphere. Suddenly, he walked past me in his white uniform and greeted me. Very shyly, he came over to talk to me… and during those four days, we felt as if we had known each other our whole lives.
When he left Cádiz, we were both very sad. Afterwards, his journey continued to the Canary Islands and, from there, back to America. So I decided to surprise him and travel to visit him in the Canary Islands. It was, without a doubt, the best decision of my life.
After that, I spent Christmas in Mexico with him and, a year later, I returned to attend his graduation as an officer. A year and a half later, he proposed, and two and a half years after that first meeting, we were married. For two years, I travelled constantly between Spain and Mexico, but at last, we no longer have an ocean between us, and now we live together.
The best thing that ever happened to us was meeting during The Tall Ships Races 2023, because that is where everything began. And now, with great excitement, we are organising everything because we want to take part together in The Tall Ships Races 2027. We are eagerly waiting for the participating ships to be announced so that we can be part of this adventure, this time as a married couple.
– Arancha and Alexis
FUNNELATOR SCORE CARD
‘Back in the 1990s I was a Bosun’s Mate on the tall ship Lord Nelson (Bosun’s Mate = glorified deckhand). Lord Nelson was the one specially designed and built to take mixed abilities – people in wheelchairs, couldn’t see, etc. She didn’t race as we couldn’t guarantee to get half the crew under 24 – that and the Trustees thought we would not be inclusive if we were rushing for the start line. Which didn’t stop us turning up at race ports and even crossing the start line and taking part. So, we were determined to make our mark and join in the fun.
This is 1991 and we had rigged the vessel with funnelators. A funnelator is a small plastic funnel attached to two lengths of stretchy bungee cord and used to fire water balloons. You pull the funnel back as far as possible – without falling off the deckhouse roof – load a balloon full of water – judge distance and angle of any passing tall ship and let go.
To say we got carried away is an understatement, but we got very accurate when it was rigged between the main and mizzen masts. So, by the time, we got to Aberdeen race port in 1991 we had this score sheet, showing we had increased international friendship and understanding by drenching anything and anyone who came within range. We were particularly proud of getting the Press Officer – a difficult shot down the quayside which avoided babies in prams and other civilians.
This is our score card, of which we were rightly proud.’
– Max Mudie
From Volunteer to Crew: A Tall Ships Journey
‘My name is Eglė, I’m 25 years old, and I’m from Lithuania. My TSR journey began in 2024, when the Tall Ships Races were held in Klaipėda, Lithuania.
I saw an ad on Facebook that the event was looking for volunteers, and I decided to become one. From the very first meeting, I had already made up my mind to become a liaison officer.
During our last meeting, we were allowed to choose countries, but we weren’t told what kind of ships would be assigned to us. Afterwards, I received confirmation that I was assigned to two B-class ships – “T/S Rupel” from Belgium and “Betty” from Denmark.
When the event took place, I was constantly staying with the Rupel crew. The captain and another crew member kept jokingly asking if I’d be interested in joining them, but I wasn’t sure. I remember the captain’s words to this day: “There are no ‘I don’t knows’ or ‘maybes’ – it’s either yes or no.”
I guess they liked me enough that, during their last evening here, the captain invited me to their dinner, sat me down in front of everyone, and gave me an official invitation to join them in the race!
At first, I wasn’t sure if it would be possible to make it work with my job and finances at the time. But then I started making a small plan in my head and managed to find a solution that could work.
After the captain invited me in front of everyone, I proudly accepted the offer and told them that I was looking forward to next year.
I remember that while trainees were receiving safety instructions from crew members, I was pulled aside by the captain and given a few souvenirs with the ship’s logo. I’m not going to lie – these small items made me tear up a little.
On their last morning before leaving for the starting line, I asked if it would be possible to take a photo with everyone. They agreed, and we took a picture together.
Fast forward to January 2025 – I received confirmation that I would be joining them in TSR 2025, for the 4th race from Kristiansand, Norway, to Esbjerg, Denmark.
When I received the news, I was over the moon – crying with joy and jumping up and down.
When the time for the race came, I remember stepping off the train, looking ahead, and seeing all the tall masts of ships. I started crying – so many emotions hit me at once: joy, excitement, and nervousness.
As I got closer to where the ship was, I saw its outline and almost ran there. Once I got on board, I immediately greeted the captain and another crew member from the previous year. I couldn’t stop smiling because I was so happy about a couple of things:
– I reunited with the crew (I knew some of them from before).
– I was back on the ship.
– I was part of TSR.
The racing part was my favourite. My watch times were from 00:00-04:00 and 12:00-16:00, and the things I saw with my own eyes are still strongly burned into my memory to this day.
Fast forward to my last day on board – I was really sad that I had to leave. I guess the others could tell from my face. But my captain made a promise that we would see each other again in 2026. I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to join again due to my age, since I turn 26 before the races start, but the captain told me not to worry – he would figure something out so I could come back.
And finally, fast forward to 2026: in February, I received an email confirming that I’m invited to join “T/S Rupel” for the TSR 2026 first race.
I couldn’t be more proud of my decision to become a volunteer at such an event. It opened so many doors and possibilities, gave me new friendships, and gave me something to look forward to.’
– Eglė
