The first day of celebrations in Lerwick continued with addition of the traditional Crew Parade and Prize Giving Ceremony for the Cruise-in-Company leg of The Tall Ships Races 2023…
There was a change to the schedule of events in Lerwick on Day One as crews from the Tall Ships fleet took part in the Crew Parade and Prize Giving Ceremony. Normally taking place on Day Two, the Parade and Prize Giving were brought forward to allow for an extended crew changeover due to the unique location of the Host Port event in the beautiful Shetland Islands.
A hallmark of every Host Port stop of The Tall Ships Races, the Crew Parade saw the crews and trainees of the Cruise-in-Company leg light up the streets of Lerwick with a colourful and stunning parade. Crews mustered at Victoria Pier before heading north on a one mile route along Esplanade before turning making their way along Commercial Road and then heading towards the Main Stage at Holmsgarth.
All along the route, locals and visitors celebrated with the crews and provided another stunning example of the international friendship that is at the heart of every edition of The Tall Ships Races. Once at the main stage, it was time for the all important Prize Giving Ceremony that was opened by Race Chair, Bjorg Johnsrud Western.
“I am proud to be here in Lerwick representing Sail Training International. The Tall Ships Races is organised by Sail Training International, a non-profit charity that gathers sail trainers and tall ship operators all over the world.
“In the last decade, over 50,000 young people have taken part in the Tall Ships Races. These young people have come from over 80 countries. They have formed lifelong friendships, had the adventure of a lifetime and for many it has been a truly life-changing experience.
“Here in Shetland, you have your own sail training organisation, Sail Training Shetland – An Epic Experience. You also have your own ship in the fleet, the Swan, who is one of six vessels to be named Flagships of the year 2023 by National Historic Ships UK. Swan takes hundreds of trainees out to sea from April to the end of September every year and is a long-time friend of the Tall Ships Races.
“To be on board is not a romantic walk in the park. It is hard work, often in bad weather, wet and cold. But you discover that you have hidden strengths and talents, you see the value of working in a team, find new friends, acquire life skills, have lots of fun and most importantly… realise you can do it!
“For me it has been wonderful to see that the citizens of Lerwick and the whole of Shetland are proud; you are keeping up the culture of seamanship and you promote your old maritime history whilst also looking into the future.”
Following the address, it was time for the all important Prize Giving Ceremony with Race Director Magda Makowska, and the winners were…
MOST SPECTACULAR ARRIVAL
Morgenster (The Netherlands)
Youngest Crew (Average age on cruise-in-company)
Belfer (Poland) average 17.75 yrs
Outstanding contribution to the Cruise-in-company
Swan (UK)
Most International Crew
Sorlandet (Norway) 15 nationalities
Best in Crew Parade Class B/C/D
James Cook (UK)
Best in Crew Parade Class A
Roald Amundsen (Germany)
Best Dressed Ship in Port
Christian Radich (Norway)
Most Welcoming Ship in Port
Capitan Miranda (Uruguay)
Smallest Vessel in Fleet
Christiania (Norway)
Oldest Vessel in Fleet
Christiania (Norway) launched 1895
Tallest Vessel in Fleet
Bima Suci (Indonesdia)
Vessel Furthest from Home
Bima Suci (Indonesdia) 9032 NM
First Arrival in Port
Loyal (Norway)
About The Tall Ships Races 2023
The Tall Ships Races 2023 will see the international fleet of Tall Ships and Small Ships return to Den Helder, Hartlepool, Fredrikstad, Lerwick and Arendal from 29 June to 6 August.
With four of the five Host Ports having already hosted the stunning Tall Ships fleet, we are excited to return to old friends and visit new frontiers for some exhilarating sailing, stunning cruises and celebrations across Northwest Europe.
As with every edition of The Tall Ships Races, the series will offer a range of sailing experiences for trainees and crews. The Race Committee will look at waypoint options to provide shorter and longer races for the fleet that will require a mixture of tactical skill and exhilarating speed to conquer.
