Strong winds couldn’t ruin the party atmosphere as the Tall Ships Races 2019 got off to a fantastic start today in the beautiful Danish city of Aalborg…
As the Tall Ships fleet, trainees and visitors came together in the spirit of international friendship and understanding, the port of Aalborg kicked off four days of maritime celebrations in fantastic fashion. With thousands of visitors having already flocked to see the fleet of over 60 ships, there is an unparalleled electric atmosphere throughout the city.
GRAND WELCOME
To officially launch the celebrations, an Opening Ceremony was held at the main event stage of the event site. The Mayor of Aalborg, Thomas Kastrup-Larsen, and The Tall Ships Races 2019 Race Chairman, Knut Western, addressed the assembled crew members and spectators.
Race Chairman thanked the port of Aalborg for all of the hard work that has gone into creating what is sure to be an amazing experience for the Captains and Crews of the Tall Ships fleet.
“Today is not only the opening day of the Tall Ships event here in Aalborg, but also the opening of the Tall Ships Races 2019. This year is very special, we celebrate 20 years of collaboration between Aalborg and Sail Training International and we are delighted to bring a fleet of over 60 ships to Aalborg.
“I wish to thank the Aalborg host port organisation and all the volunteers who have worked hard to prepare for this great event and indeed still do. We are grateful, and appreciate what you have done to make the crews, especially the young trainees, feel welcome in Aalborg.
“We are looking forward to the four days in port, and we are convinced that Aalborg with vast experience from previous visits of the Tall Ships fleet, will deliver another excellent event.”
Tall Ships Races 2019 Race Chairman, Knut Western
Mayor of Aalborg, Thomas Kastrup-Larsen, looked forward to some of the exciting programme ahead that will be sure to entertain the crews and spectators alike.
“I have been looking forward to this day tremendously… to welcome you all to the Tall Ships Races 2019. Now we have 4 days to come, with lots of entertainment, music and maritime experiences for the whole family.
“We have over 60 ships from all across the world, 70 concerts, and on Friday awaits the biggest fireworks in Denmark’s history. It is going to be a great celebration with great experiences to come.”
Mayor of Aalborg, Thomas Kastrup-Larsen
About Aalborg
Aalborg is situated in the North of Jutland, Denmark, and is the country’s fourth-largest city. It’s undergone an extensive period of rejuvenation over the last few years – the updated waterfront areas are now the focal point of the city. Aalborg successfully hosted Tall Ships events in 1999, 2004, 2010 and 2015. Over these four years, the city saw more than 3.2 million people taking part in the festivities.
THE TALL SHIPS RACES 2019
This year, Europe’s largest, free, family festival will visit north-west Europe during the summer, with a fleet of over 70 international Tall and Small Ships. The three-leg event will see vessels sailing from Aalborg, Denmark to Fredrikstad, Norway. Following this will be a stunning cruise-in-company along the coast of Norway to Bergen and a nail-biting race back to Aarhus, Denmark.
The event is open to young people aged 15-25, giving them the opportunity to get involved in a competitive event whilst also gaining skills in sailing, communication and building confidence. You can check out our dedicated event and Host Port pages to find out how you can take part!