(Photo credit: Copyright: Graham Cross / The Cirdan Sailing Trust)
With all the ships now in port and the quaysides full of visitors, the Chairman of the Race Committee, Robin Snouck Hurgronje, gave a warm welcome to everyone.
As well as providing a warm welcome, the Race Chairman also reminded those in attendance of the charitable aims that underpin every edition of The Tall Ships Races and the central theme of youth development through sail training.
“Dear Hartlepolians, on behalf of Sail training International I cannot emphasise enough how happy we are to be back in Hartlepool
Sail Training International is an international charity organisation. Our main mission is to create possibilities to experience a sail training period for young people between 15-25 years of age.
No matter their background, gender nationality or religion. We believe that a period of sail training on board of a Tall Ship will make them a better person who is able to live and contribute to our complex society.
In order to achieve our main mission we organise every year The Tall Ships Races. Bringing ships and people from many different nations and cultures together.”
Alongside the Race Chairman, Hartlepool Borough Councillor Shane Moore spoke of the immense pleasure and pride to see the Tall Ships return to Hartlepool, to make memories, putting Hartlepool on the map and celebrating the borough.
With land legs now found, a full programme of events have been planned for the crews who have raced from Den Helder, including gym sessions, swimming, bingo, pilates and beach volleyball together with cultural tours. A perfect opportunity to meet other trainees and to share their stories and experiences.
The crowds have been growing all day, and maybe there will be some young people amongst them who fancy and adventure of their own. More information about sailing on the ships and bursaries available can be found here.
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.