The sun is now setting on a spectacular Diamond Anniversary year for the Tall Ships Races and Regattas. So, we thought that it’s the perfect time to start looking forward to some of the exciting events that 2017 has in store for Sail On Board and your plans for an adventure at sea.
Our first, longest and furthest event next year is the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta… and we’d love for you to get involved.
Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta
Sailing in the wake of the great explorers throughout history, the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta will be the adventure of a lifetime – a 7,000 nautical mile race that will visit seven countries and cross the Atlantic twice.
Organising a major Transatlantic Tall Ships event takes a huge amount of planning, so we only schedule one every eight to 10 years – the last one took place in 2009. Next year, the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta will be a celebration of maritime history, whilst commemorating the rich history of sailing in Canada and around the world. It will offer all participants – ships, trainees, businesses, and visitors – a unique chance to embark upon a great adventure.
This epic event marks the 150th anniversary of the Canadian Confederation through its founders and founding provinces, and will bring together a truly international community of sailors and spectators alike.
Starting in Royal Greenwich, UK, on 13 April 2017, the Regatta will visit seven countries in total – UK, Portugal, Spain (48 hour stopover), Bermuda, USA, Canada and France. Each stop on this awe-inspiring voyage will give millions of visitors the opportunity to get up close and personal with the impressive, international Tall Ships fleet.
The Guest Ports and Outports Programme
In addition to the host race ports, the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta will also visit a number of beautiful Canadian guest ports.
The Guest Ports Programme is an opportunity to sample the hospitality of more than 31 different and beautiful Canadian guest ports in the region.
Away from the high energy of racing and four-day host city festivities, it’s a chance for vessels to enjoy a pre-planned stop-over, and to take advantage of a programme of events and crew facilities which will be provided in each port.
During these stops, the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta fleet, professional crew members and novice sailors (you?!) will be able to celebrate this great milestone anniversary and sample the vast and diverse maritime heritage that Canada has to offer.
Take Part and Sail On Board
One of the most exciting parts of the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta is that provides a once in a lifetime opportunity to take part.
Depending on your availability you can chose from five different races and five different Canadian Guest Port Programmes – with voyages lasting a few days to as long as four weeks for the Transatlantic legs.
To find the perfect voyage for you check out our Event page. Here, you can find out more about the event, discover which ships are taking part, and book your place on board directly with the ship. You can also check out our Support pages for information on funding and bursaries, if you’re worried about covering your costs.
With only six months to go, the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta is shaping up to be a wonderful celebration of international friendship and culture… and we can’t wait to see you there.
