Following careful planning and preparation, the Three Festivals Tall Ships Regatta 2018 finally got underway today, with the River Mersey providing the perfect backdrop to the Tall Ships fleet in Liverpool, UK…
Marking the start of what promises to be a fantastic cultural exchange between the three Host Port countries, the UK, Ireland and France, the city of Liverpool pulled out all the stops for the Tall Ships fleet. Working closely with Sail Training International and the other Host Ports of Dublin and Bordeaux, Liverpool has transformed it’s city centre into three cultural areas complete with artistic attractions and Wine-lovers are also expected to flock to the waterfront as the world-renowned Bordeaux Fête le Vin (Bordeaux Wine Festival) makes its UK debut.
A Moonlight Welcome
Liverpool provided a spectacular start to the four days of maritime festivities with a welcome ceremony at the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral under the stunning Museum of the Moon installation, by Luke Jerram.
Assembled guests were welcomed by Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson and Sail Training International Race Chairman, Ross MacDonald. During the ceremony, Ross highlighted the life changing adventure awaiting the participating trainees in the regatta.
“Sail training uses the experience of being at sea under sail, to help young people learn about themselves, discover hidden strengths and talents, to gain greater confidence, and to understand the value of working as a team.
Approximately 500 trainees will take part in the Three Festivals Regatta – the majority of which are between the age of 15 and 25.
Each of these young trainees will develop valuable life skills. Each will have an adventure they will remember for the rest of their lives. For many it will be one of the most impactful things they have ever done. These young people will achieve things they did not know they could. They will work within a team playing a full part in helping to sail their ships across the high seas. They will have fun and make new friends.”
Sail Training International Race Chairman, Ross MacDonald
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- The Museum of the Moon was the perfect backdrop during the welcome ceremony.
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- Race Chairman, Ross MacDonald, speaks at the welcome ceremony.
About Liverpool
Berthed in the Victorian splendour of the Albert Dock, Canning Dock, Canning Half Tide Dock and on the award-winning Liverpool Cruise Terminal, the Tall Ships fleet are close to the beating heart of the city. Here, a wealth of art, culture, architecture, music, and sport have been presented to provide a truly electric atmosphere.
It has been ten years since Liverpool’s game-changing year as European Capital of Culture, and the city is marking the milestone with a programme of exciting, inspirational and thought-provoking projects which will shine an international spotlight onto the incredible cultural hub this city has become.
Check out this awesome video from Culture Liverpool to see what fantastic installations and attractions are availble through the Changing Tides Arts and Entertainment Programme, including a visit from the Bordeaux Fête le Vin (Bordeaux Wine Festival).
About the Three Festivals Tall Ships Regatta 2018
This two-leg event, taking place in north-west Europe, will see a magnificent fleet sail from Liverpool, U.K. to Dublin, Republic of Ireland, and then to Bordeaux, France, in an exciting race through the Irish Sea, Celtic Sea and Bay of Biscay.
Following the festivities along the River Mersey, the first race leg of the regatta will take the Tall Ships fleet on a four day voyage across the Irish Sea to Dublin, Republic of Ireland. With specially positioned way points transforming the 120 mile direct route into a 300 mile race course, this voyage between two iconic cities will provide an invigorating world of adventure like no other.
The Three Festivals Tall Ships Regatta 2018 will be the first time that Dublin has hosted a Tall Ships event since 2012 and will focus on maritime activities, sail training opportunities, permanent visitor attractions and water based activities in the Dublin Docklands area.
The final race of the regatta will take the fleet 600 miles south to Bordeaux, France, where the vibrant and high-spirited capital of south-west France will be holding the 20th edition of the world famous Bordeaux Fête le Vin (Bordeaux Wine Festival).
