Announcing The Tall Ships Races Magellan-Elcano 500 Series 2021
This news story was originally published before the announcement of Dunkirk’s withdrawal from The Tall Ships Races Megallan-Elcano 500 Series 2021. You can read the full announcement here.
As we look forward to what promises to be an action packed year of events in 2021, we are delighted to announce that the postponed Tall Ships Races 2020 will return as The Tall Ships Races Magellan-Elcano 500 Series 2021…
The races will start in Dunkirk, France (12 to 15 August), and follow a race course to A Coruña, Spain (26 to 29 August), Lisbon, Portugal (2 to 5 September), and Cádiz, Spain (9 to 12 September).
The Tall Ships Races Magellan-Elcano 500 Series 2021 will celebrate the quincentenary of the first circumnavigation of the world.
Celebrating the Magellan-Elcano expedition recognises the shared qualities between the landmark voyage of discovery and The Tall Ships Races; resolve, determination, exploration and overcoming adversity in the pursuit of discovery.
Every visit to the Channel and Iberian Peninsula is steeped in a rich history, and 2021 is sure to be no different as we commemorate this first circumnavigation of the world by Ferdinand Magellan and Sebastián Elcano 500 years ago.
The landmark expedition is one of the most important journeys undertaken in the history of maritime navigation, and Tall Ships Races adventure is often one of the most impactful experiences trainees and crew will ever undertake.
Each edition of The Tall Ships Races sees young people from around the world challenge themselves to do something amazing as they overcome fears, rise to challenges and enjoy the adventure of a lifetime.
Following on from the unprecedented impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, 2021 sees the Tall Ships fleet remember the achievements and perseverance of the Magellan-Elcano expedition and celebrate the return of the world famous race series in a way that only the Tall Ships Races can!
Entries are now open for each race leg of the series and you can still save over 60% before 1st October with our extended early bird offer!
About the Host Ports
DUNKIRK
The Tall Ships Races Magellan-Elcano 500 Series 2021 will mark the first time that Dunkirk has hosted a Tall Ships Races event, and this coastal Commune which brings together history, natural beauty and contemporary art will act as the perfect start to the races.
A CORUÑA
Located in northern Spain, A Coruña is a busy, bustling port. It’s located on a promontory in the entrance of an estuary in a large gulf on the Atlantic Ocean. It’s the richest region and economic engine of Galicia – an autonomous community in north-west Spain.
LISBON
Spirited Lisbon welcomes the fleet of the Tall Ships Races for the eighth time in 2021 and will provide a stunning backdrop to open the festivities.
CÁDIZ
As the oldest continuously inhabited city in southern Spain (and one of the oldest in south-west Europe), charming Cádiz boasts history, energy and enthusiasm.
The Tall Ships Races Magellan-Elcano 500 Series 2021 will visit four fantastic ports, which all have something different and unique to offer. The variety of festivities, attractions and crew activities during Europe’s largest, free, family festival, are sure to make the event a truly unforgettable experience.
The Tall Ships Races always provide the perfect opportunity to take part in some great sailing and embark on the adventure of a lifetime at sea. They bring together people of different nationalities, religions and cultures and visit a range of international ports, promoting international friendship and understanding.
