Royal Opening for Tall Ships Races Kristiansand

The Tall Ships Races Kristiansand was officially opened today by Her Royal Highness the Crown Princess Mette-Marit at a ceremony on the quayside and watched by tens of thousands of people.  Mayor of Kristiansand, Per Sigurd Sorensen welcomed everyone to the city and Race Chairman Knut Western followed, saying that the Tall Ships Races are the jewel in the crown of sail training and that the fleet have been warmly welcomed here in Kristiansand and look forward to an exciting few days ahead.

Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Metter-Marit declared the event open by counting down from ten to zero at which point the entire fleet sounded their fog horns.  

The Royal party then made their way along the quayside stopping to speak to some of the Captains and trainees and stepping on board the Russian replica ship Shtandart and the Jubilee Sailing Trust barque Tenacious (UK) before finishing at the local ship, Sorlandet. 

This evening the Captains of the fleet will come together for the traditional Captains Dinner, being held at the Christianholm Castle.

Pic: Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Metter-Marit meeting trainees on board Sorlandet

To view the final results of the first race and full prize list, click here.  

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

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