Cities with rich maritime history announced as host ports for The Tall Ships Races 2018

Cherbourg, France; Esbjerg, Denmark; Stavanger, Norway and

news that their bids to host The Tall Ships Races 2018 have been accepted.

It may be four years to wait, but this is the length of time

it takes to organise something as spectacular as Europe’ largest, annual,

free, family festival – The Tall Ships Races.

This announcement marks the start of serious planning for

this new race series and the chosen ports are delighted to have been selected.

Cherbourg-Octeville, France

The Tall Ships last visited Cherbourg in 2005, an event

which saw more than 600,000 visitors flocking to the town – and they have

pledged to make 2018 even bigger and better.

Port Chantereyne in Cherbourg-Octeville sits at the heart of one of the largest man-made harbours in Europe and has a reputation for the successful

organisation of large scale nautical events. 

It is the busiest marina on the Channel/North Sea coast and both local

residents and businesses have asked for the event to return.

Esbjerg, Denmark

The Tall Ships Races have been to Esbjerg in 1993, 2001 and

during the summer of 2014, where the excitement of the event captured both the

port and the city. 

On each occasion the event has proved an overwhelming

success, but 2018 is a particularly special milestone in the history of Esbjerg

as it celebrates the 150th anniversary of the port.  The port – known as the lifeblood of the city

– and the city all share the fundamental values behind The Tall Ships Races and

Sail Training International.  Their main

goal is for everyone – young as well as old, novices and ship enthusiasts alike

– to experience the event up close.

Mayor Johnny SíŸtrup said, äóìOn behalf of all of Esbjerg, we

are beyond thrilled that we will be welcoming The Tall Ships Races once again

in 2018. We are proud to be among the host ports in 2018, and we can’t imagine

a better way to celebrate the 150th anniversary of our port.

äóìBeing selected as a host port this soon after The Tall

Ships Races 2014 lets us know that the crews on the ships felt at home during

their stay in Esbjerg this summer, and we will do our very best to welcome them

properly again in 2018. The spectacular event this summer was very popular with

our citizens and the many thousand visitors, who travelled here to experience

the impressive ships.  We cannot wait to repeat the success!äó

Stavanger, Norway

Stavanger is going to be a Tall Ships Races host port for

the fourth time in 2018 claiming to be ‘better rigged than ever’ to host The

Tall Ships Races fleet and crews.  The

three previous events were in 1997, 2004 and 2011.

Located in the south-western coast of Norway, Stavanger is

known as the ‘energetic city’ because its natural coastal location and open and

progressive attitude has made it the energy capital of both Norway and Europe.

But it also combines small town charm with metropolitan liveliness.

“We are delighted to welcome The Tall Ships Races in

2018. This is a unique opportunity for Stavanger to show that we have improved

our qualities as a host port,” said a delighted Mayor Christine Sagen

HelgíŸ.

Sunderland, United Kingdom