Following a stunning Cruise-in-Company leg along the Spanish and Portuguese coasts, the Tall Ships fleet made their triumphant return to Lisbon for the first time since 2016…
There was a beautiful and sunny start to the morning in Lisbon, which saw the ships arrive early in spectacular fashion with Dar Mlodiziezy (Poland) being closely followed by Fryderyk Chopin (Poland), Capitan Miranda (Uruguay), Cuauhtemoc (Mexico) and Vera Cruz (Portugal).
As the event opened in the afternoon, the first of thousands of expected visitors made their way to see the ships close. Capping of the first day was the official Opening Ceremony, which saw Race Chairman, Alan James, welcome the event back to Lisbon and highlight the long-standing friendship between the Portuguese capital and The Tall Ships Races.
“We are delighted to once again be in Lisbon for The Tall Ships Races Magellan-Elcano, which is the 9th visit by the Tall Ships fleet. The connection between Sail Training International and Lisbon dates back to the very first edition of The Tall Ships Races in 1956 which finished in Lisbon.
At the time it was considered to be a one off event to celebrate the Tall Ships, but actually proved so popular that the event has been held annually most years since. We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the local organisers Aporvela who have worked tirelessly to deliver this event.
Aporvela also play a big part in helping to deliver experiences for young people at sea, and as a sail training voluntary organisation and won our prestigious Sultan Quboosh trophy in 2014.
Our thanks also go out to the ships, crews, cadets and trainees who are here with us and are offering this wonderful spectacle. A number of these ships also participated in the Tall Ships Races 2023 and we thank you for your ongoing support to our events, along with the ships that are joining us here for the first time this year.
Thank you again to Lisbon and I wish you a successful four days and to the ships, a good race down to Cadiz.”
Race Chairman, Alan James
Ahead is an exicitng programme of events for the crews and trainees, all set against the beautiful backdrop of Lisbon. Having now found their land legs, they will be eager to explore all of the cultural highlights on offer.
ABOUT THE TALL SHIPS RACES MAGELLAN-ELCANO
The Tall Ships Races Magellan-Elcano sees an international fleet of Tall Ships and Small Ships take in the Channel and Iberian Penninsula, visiting Falmouth (15-18 August), A Coruna (24-27 August), Lisbon (31 August -3 September), finishing in Cadiz (7-10 September)
The Tall Ships Races Magellan-Elcano series celebrates the first circumnavigation of the world by Ferdinand Magellan and Sebastian Elcano over 500 years ago. As with every edition of The Tall Ships Races, the series offers a range of sailing experiences for trainees and crews.