Mayor formally opens Tall Ships Races Hartlepool

Mayor of Hartlepool, Stuart Drummond, officially declared the Tall Ships Race Hartlepool event open at a ceremony on the main stage at noon today.  Accompanied by Race Chairman Knut Western, the Mayor said that Hartlepool had never seen anything like this, and that the town offers a warm welcome to every crew member and visitor.  The Race Chairman thanked the local team for making the event possible, and for caring for over 2000 trainees during their stay here.  

Over 70,000 visitors came to the port yesterday and several hundred thousand are expected today.  

Most of the fleet are now in port, with the remaining three vessels arriving later today, including Class A ship Iskra ORP (Poland), who is currently off the harbour entrance.  

Final results for Race Two are expected later today.

To view the full list of provisional placings, click here .

Pic:  Mayor of Hartlepool Stuart Drummond with Race Chairman Knut Western and two officers from Shabab Oman at the opening ceremony.

To see more images from The Tall Ships Races, click here.

The Tall Ships Races, presented by Szczecin and organised by Sail Training International.