Esbjerg reports record breaking visitor numbers

The Tall Ships Races 2014 sadly finishes today with the final parade of the Tall Ships out of Esbjerg – before the fleet sail on to new ports.  But, record breaking visitor numbers are being reported.

The event has been a huge success across the four ports (Harlingen, The Netherlands; Fredrikstad, Norway; Bergen, Norway; Esbjerg, Denmark) with an estimated 1.5 million visitors.  

Esbjerg alone has broken its own visitor record of half a million visitors in 2001 – with an already estimated 545,000 visitors to the port over the three days – not including todays turn out of spectators to watch the parade today (Tuesday 5 August).

Jan Lindhardt, Security Chief, Esbjerg explained how the visitor numbers are counted. “t the main entrances to the port we make hourly counts.  Another method we use to count numbers is by taking photos from the air. 

“ccording to our calculations, we saw around 65,000 visitors on Friday, while Saturday was our biggest day with 190,000 visitors enjoying the warm summer weather. 160,000 joined in with the festivities on Sunday, while the number of visitors on Monday was 130,000. 

Villy Green, Project Manager, Esbjerg said, äóìIt’s sad to say goodbye to the fleet, but great for Esbjerg that The Tall Ships Races 2014 has been so successful.  It has been a pleasure to meet so many happy people around the port. Many have made repeat visits over the last few days and there has been something for all the family, so it’ an event that has attracted all ages.äó

Johnny Sotrup, Major, Esberg Municipality said, äóìI compliment all the Captains on their fine vessels.  The city of Esbjerg has been honoured to welcome the Tall Ships fleet. The Tall Ships Races’ focus on youth is building interest in maritime skills and this is important to us and our city’ future development.  It helps us to renew the passion in young people to work in the maritime industry.  The international crews have been fine ambassadors for a maritime way of life and an inspiration to others.äó

Jet Sluik, Captain, Tecla (The Netherlands) shared a Captains perspective of the event at the Captain’ Dinner in Esbjerg, Denmark.  äóìFor the youngsters it’ been an amazing experience they will never forget – to stand in the rain, pull on ropes and steer in pitch dark at night.   And as I’ve walked around the harbour in Esbjerg I’ve been not only amazed to see so many people, but wherever I looked there were happy crew faces looking back at me.  It is these people that make us what we are and these young people who have put their trust in us as sailors to take them out to sea, to be human and to respect each other.”

News from around the port

* Royal visit to The Tall Ships Races 2014

HRH Prince Joachim of Denmark, accompanied by the Minister for the Environment, Kirsten BrosbíŸl visited The Tall Ships Races in Esbjerg to celebrate UNESCO’ recent designation of the Danish part of the Wadden Sea as a World Heritage destination.

The Wadden Sea stretches across 500 km and three countries. The German/Dutch part was designated in 2009. Now, UNESCO’ designation of the Danish part makes the entire area a World Heritage destination, which is celebrated across all three countries.

To mark the event Alexander von Humboldt II (Germany) carried five, symbolic, hand made tiles from Harlingen, Netherlands and these were presented to the dignatories