After years of careful and extensive planning, The Tall Ships Races 2023 kicked off in Den Helder, the Netherlands.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Den Helder, the picturesque coastal city known for its rich maritime history, the anticipation has been building for what promises to be four days of unforgettable experiences and maritime marvels. The celebrations kicked off in dramatic fashion on day one with a stunning sail in parade, which saw the fleet of Tall Ships arrive in grand fashion with thousands of spectators welcoming them into port.
A Warm Welcome from the Race Chairman
Following the breathtaking spectacle of the sail in parade, it was time to officially begin the festivities with a grand opening ceremony on the main Demo Stage, with Race Chairman Robin Snouck-Hurgronje welcoming the fleet, crews and spectators to the start of 2023’s race series.
“Ladies and gentlemen, On behalf of Sail Training International I cannot express enough my gratitude to Den Helder for making it possible to return to this special port.
After 15 years, we are finally back here in Den Helder. Although you will have enjoyed the spectacle of Sail Den Helder 2013 and 2018, this is the first time Sail Den Helder has returned as part of The Tall Ships Races.
The Tall Ships Races are organised by Sail Training International, an international Charity organisation with 26 member countries. Our main mission is to create opportunities for young people between 15 and 25 years to experience a period of sail training and self discovery.
We strongly believe that this experience will make them better people, and in order to achieve our main mission we organise every year The Tall Ships Races which attract thousands of Young people from all over the World no matter what their background is, no matter what their gender is, no matter what their religion is.
When I look around today I see many Tall Ships, when I look around I see many happy people, when I look around I also see many Young people.
My question to you is, are you ready to start this Den Helder?
Let’s do it!”The Tall Ships Races 2023 Race Chairman, Robin Snouck-Hurgronje
An action-packed four-day programme is planned in Den Helder including a range of sporting activities for the international crews, live music, and a Crew Parade and Prize Giving Ceremony tomorrow afternoon.
About The Tall Ships Races 2023
The Tall Ships Races 2023 will see the international fleet of Tall Ships and Small Ships return to Den Helder, Hartlepool, Fredrikstad, Lerwick and Arendal from 29 June to 6 August.
With four of the five Host Ports having already hosted the stunning Tall Ships fleet, we are excited to return to old friends and visit new frontiers for some exhilarating sailing, stunning cruises and celebrations across Northwest Europe.
As with every edition of The Tall Ships Races, the series will offer a range of sailing experiences for trainees and crews. The Race Committee will look at waypoint options to provide shorter and longer races for the fleet that will require a mixture of tactical skill and exhilarating speed to conquer.