Stavanger exploded with international colour, music and energy on Friday afternoon (27 July) as young trainees from a total of 35 different nations taking part in the Tall Ships Races 2018 paraded through the heart of the picturesque harbour.
In the much-awaited Crew Parade the teams took a route along the quayside, delighting the crowds with impromptu dancing, singing and handing out sweets to children en route to the Prize Giving Ceremony on a stage outside the city’s Concert Hall.
In scorching heat as the Norwegian heatwave showed no sign of abating, the awards were presented by Mayor of Stavanger Christine Sagen Helgø who congratulated each of the teams who took to the stage to huge applause. The final team to collect an award was Tarangini (India) for the best team in the Crew Parade (Class A) who stole the show with a rehearsed dance act in front of the cheering crowds.
Tall Ships Races 2018 Race Director Ben Stuart announced the winners as follows:
Best in Crew Parade (Class A):
Tarangini (India)
Best in Crew Parade (Class B/C/D):
Skonnerten Jylland (Denmark)
Football Tournament (Overall Winner):
Grossherzogin Elisabeth (Germany)
Football Tournament (Hardest Working Team):
Sedov (Russia)
Tug of War Winner:
Mir (Russia)
Shanty Lecture – Best Ship Presence:
Georg Stage (Denmark)
Best Effort in Sporting Events:
Kruzenshtern (Russia)
Environment Award:
Santa Maria Manuela (Portugal)
Social Media Award (Individual):
Kieran Scopes on Morning Star of Revelation (UK)
Social Media Award (vessel):
Caroline af Sandnes (Norway)
CRUISE-IN-COMPANY AWARD:
Urania (Netherlands)
Youngest Average Crew (21 years average):
Maybe (UK)
Most International Crew Award (17 nationalities):
Statsraad Lehmkuhl (Norway)
Most Spectacular Arrival:
Shtandart (Russia)
Best Dressed Ship:
Tara (Denmark)
On Friday morning trainees representing many of the 35 nations taking part in the Tall Ships Races 2018 gathered for a photo call in Stavanger against the backdrop of the 63-strong fleet. Cultural exchanges and international friendships form a major part of the life-changing experience for many of the trainees taking part in the Tall Ships Races. This year’s event has attracted young people from across Europe and all corners of the globe including Hong Kong, Eritrea, Australia and the USA.
As well as the excitement of today’s formal proceedings, the crews have been enjoying a wide selection of activities organised by Stavanger including a football tournament, surfing lessons and stand-up paddle boarding.
ABOUT THE TALL SHIPS RACES 2018
The Tall Ships Races 2018 will be the 58th edition of the world famous international race series. This year’s event takes place in the North Sea visiting four ports in 27 days, taking the fleet from the UK to Denmark, Norway and the Netherlands.
Participating in The Tall Ships Races 2018 is a fantastic experience that you can take part in too! There’s zero experience necessary and there are places are available on ships across the fleet on all race legs. There’s no need to wait – just do it!
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