Following a break of over 1,000 days, the Tall Ships fleet made an emotional and majestic return with The Tall Ships Races 2022 today in Esbjerg, Denmark.
With the first ships, Rupel (Belgium) and Aglaia (Denmark), arriving earlier this week, the anticipation has been building in the Danish city. This morning saw more stunning arrivals from Shabab Oman II (Oman) and Alexander von Humboldt II (Germany) amongst others.
The renowned energy metropolis has once again put on a spectacular welcome for the international fleet, which included an Opening Ceremony, held outside of the Blue Water Shipping building.
The Tall Ships Races 2022 Race Chairman, Robin Snouck-Hurgronje, welcomed the start of the event as the sun broke through the clouds on the quayside.
“I cannot express enough how happy we are that after two years we have a Tall Ships Races again. The past two years have been very difficult for the ships, for ports and for Sail Training International.
“You are the first Host Port after the COVID-19 period and we are very grateful to you and you can be very proud. This race series was planned before the start of the pandemic, and we have always been confident it could take place due to the high level of experience of the organising team. Esbjerg can be proud to have such a good team in town.
“Looking around, we have an impressive fleet here in the port of Esbjerg. And now; the ships are ready, the port is ready, and my question to all of you is, are you ready?”
Race Chairman, Robin Snouck-Hurgronje
An action-packed four-day programme is planned in Esbjerg including a range of sporting activities for the international crews, and a Crew Parade and Prize Giving Ceremony tomorrow afternoon.
Ships arriving in Esbjerg
ABOUT THE TALL SHIPS RACES 2022
The event will mark a welcome return to all four Host Ports who have hosted a total of 16 Tall Ships Races and Regattas so far. The series will see the Tall Ships sailing from Esbjerg, Denmark, south through the North Sea to Harlingen, Netherlands, as part of an exhilarating Race One.
Following this they will enjoy a stunning Cruise-in-Company leg further south to Antwerp, Belgium, enjoying spectacular coastal sailing. Race Two will take the fleet from Antwerp, Belgium, back north through the North Sea to Aalborg, Denmark, for the final celebrations.
Participating in The Tall Ships Races 2022 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 the remaining Cruise-in-Company and Race Two legs. There’s no need to wait – just do it!
Esbjerg, Denmark 7 July – 10 July
RACE 1
Harlingen, Netherlands 14 July – 17 July
CRUISE-IN-COMPANY
Antwerp, Belgium 22 July – 25 July
RACE 2
Aalborg, Denmark 4 August – 7 August