The Tall Ships Races 2018 in Stavanger got off to a memorable start on Thursday as the idyllic Norwegian port welcomed the fleet for a fourth time.
Under brilliant sunshine and clear blue skies, the Mayor of Stavanger Christine Sagen Helgø welcomed the Tall Ships Races 2018 fleet and officially declared the event open on Thursday afternoon.
“It’s a great honour to welcome you to Stavanger and I’m proud to welcome you to our port. It’s a privilege to have so many beautiful ships here.”
Mayor of Stavanger, Christine Sagen Helgø
Sail Training International Race Chairman, Sigurd Dale, said the whole fleet was looking forward to the visit to Stavanger.
“We are looking forward to the four days in port, and we are convinced that Stavanger, with its experience from previous visits of the Tall Ships fleet, will deliver another excellent event.”
Sigurd Dale, Sail Training International Race Chairman.
Amongst the trainees arriving in Stavanger today were young people of more than 30 different nationalities highlighting the event’s ethos of international friendship and cultural exchange. Nations represented include Canada, Australia, Kazakhstan, Venezuela, Hong Kong and Eritrea.
This evening the Mayor of Stavanger hosted a glittering Captains’ Dinner at the city’s Concert Hall against the backdrop of the fleet in the picturesque harbour.
An action-packed four-day programme is planned in Stavanger including a range of sporting activities for the international crews, trips to the region’s iconic Pulpit Rock featured in the latest Mission Impossible film and a Crew Parade and Prize Giving Ceremony on Friday afternoon.
ABOUT THE TALL SHIPS RACES 2018
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 Race Two. There’s no need to wait – just do it!
Sunderland, UK 11 July – 14 July
Esbjerg, Denmark 18 July – 21 July
