After over five years of detailed preparation and planning, the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta finally began today (Thursday 13 April)…
Marking the start of the spectacular Transatlantic event, Sail Training International and Royal Greenwich have worked together to ensure that this unique event gets off to the most spectacular of starts. Peter von Danzig (Germany) was the first vessel to make its way along the River Thames, arriving mid-afternoon on Sunday, 9 April, and Jolie Brise (UK), completed the fleet berthing this morning, with the race fleet already attracting visiting crowds.
As with the successful Falmouth to Royal Greenwich Tall Ships Regatta 2014, the fleet is berthed across both the Royal Greenwich site and the newly developed Woolwich Arsenal marina area. With these two distinct berthing sites, the East London area has taken the Tall Ships to its heart once again, and the illustrious Cutty Sark has provided an iconic backdrop to the start port of this epic transatlantic event.
The event runs from Thursday 15-Sunday 16 April, and is expected to attract crowds of up to one million, and possibly more, to the East London sites. Royal Greenwich has once again utilised the grand architecture of the historic Naval Colleges to give the Tall Ships fleet the perfect showcase environment.
Visitors will be able to access vessels berthed at Woolwich Pier throughout the weekend, and book shuttle trips to visit the fleet moored on the Thames at Royal Greenwich. More information on booking the shuttles can be found at www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/tallshipslist.
Both crew members and visitors will be able to enjoy a range of activities over the coming days. These will include; competitive crew sports such as basketball, indoor athletics, table tennis, badminton and boccia, plus free concerts, live performances and street artists, with the event closing with a grand Tall Ships Parade on Sunday. There will also be spectacular firework displays Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings for visitors and crews alike to enjoy.
Doug Prothero, Event Chairman, Sail Training International, welcomed the fleet at the launch of the event on Wednesday 12 April.
“It is a pleasure to once again bring the Tall Ships fleet to the Royal Borough of Greenwich, with its rich maritime history, to celebrate the start of the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta.
“This celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the Canadian Federation will bring together a vast international fleet of Tall Ships, and help continue the rich history Sail Training International has of promoting international friendship and understanding.
“Many of the participants in this Tall Ships Regatta would have never stepped foot on a ship before. But before long, as part of the ship’s crew, they will learn every aspect of life on board; from setting the sails, taking part in watch duties, and even mucking in with the cleaning. One of the most important things they will learn though, is how to work as part of a team.
“We hope the visitors this weekend enjoy the majestic Tall Ships here in Greenwich and Woolwich, and wish the fleet the best of luck as they prepare for this epic Transatlantic race.”
Doug Prothero, Event Chairman, Sail Training International
This warm welcome was echoed by Councillor Denise Hyland, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich.
“I hope you will all get along to enjoy the festival over the next few days in either Greenwich or Woolwich – or both! Whether to visit one of the Tall Ships, enjoy a sea shanty, listen to the bandstand, watch the farewell fireworks or wave goodbye to the ships on Sunday during the spectacular Parade of Sail.”
Councillor Denise Hyland, Royal Borough of Greenwich
ABOUT ROYAL GREENWICH
Maritime Greenwich has been associated with the sea and navigation for centuries. It’s now a World Heritage Site where you can visit world-class maritime attractions. These include the Cutty Sark, the Royal Observatory, and National Maritime Museum. Beyond Greenwich and into London, it’s hard to find the right words to describe one of the world’s most unique and vibrant capital cities.
In addition to its rich history, Royal Greenwich also has the longest riverfront setting of all the London boroughs. Four days of port activities will take place along in the bustling town centres of Woolwich and Greenwich, with an exciting programme of entertainment, music and fireworks.
ABOUT THE RENDEZ-VOUS 2017 TALL SHIPS REGATTA
The Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta is truly the adventure of a lifetime. The event covers 7,000 nautical miles, visits seven different countries – UK, Portugal, Canary Islands, Bermuda, USA, Canada, France – and cruises to over 30 beautiful Canadian guest ports.
The event celebrates the 150th anniversary of the Canadian Confederation through its founders and founding provinces, which is a unique chance to commemorate the rich history of sailing in Canada and around the world.
Up to 40 vessels will be crossing the North Atlantic Ocean and you could be on one of them!
WHAT’S NEXT?
Want to get involved with the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta? Check out our event page for more information. You can book your place directly with a participating vessel, or if you’d like help simply email our friendly team on enquiries@sailonboard.com who can make recommendations, answer questions and process your booking for you.