The Tall Ships fleet enjoyed a magical stay in the Norwegian city of Bergen for the third Host Port stay of the Tall Ships Races 2019…
Following a fantastic stop in the Norwegian port of Fredrikstad and Cruise-in-Company leg around the idyllic Norwegian coast, the Tall Ships fleet arrived in Bergen for more maritime celebrations and an action packed programme of activities. As the Tall Ships fleet arrived in dramatic weather conditions, thousands of spectators came out to give them a warm Norwegian welcome. Over the course of their four day stopover in this UNESCO World Heritage City crews and trainees were treated to a range of cultural activities, sports and entertainment and more.
One of the main aims of every Tall Ships event is the fostering of International Friendship and Understanding. This was seen once again in Bergen as the Class A Shabab Oman II (Oman) welcomed crews from around the fleet on board for a traditional Omani breakfast. The feast of local Omani delicacies was accompanied by traditional dancing from the crew and visiting guests.
The traditional breakfast is just one example of the warmth that was displayed between the Tall Ships fleet. The crew sports, Crew Parade and Prize Giving Ceremony that followed also enabled trainees from over 50 countries to make friendships that will stretch across cultures and last a lifetime.
Parade’s and Prizes
Crews and trainees from across the Tall Ships fleet lit up the city of Bergen with a magical mix of colour and energy as they took part in the Crew Parade and Prize Giving Ceremony. Starting alongside Bergen’s Nykirkekaien dock, the parade took crews and trainees on a 2km route around the beautiful city before leading them to the outdoor concert venue, Koengen.
As it made its way through the city, thousands of visitors lined the route of the parade to cheer on the crews and take in the vibrant spectacle. The Crew Parade is traditional in every Host Port stop during the Tall Ships Races and gives crews and trainees the perfect opportunity to showcase their thanks for the warm reception and hospitality they receive.
A spectacular parade of sail and eyes onto RACE TWO
The four days of exhilarating maritime festivities and celebrations in Bergen came to an epic close as the Tall Ships took part in a glorious Parade of Sail on their way to the start of Race Two. But before finishing their preparations for what was a spectacular parade, each captain from the fleet convened for the all important Captains’ Briefing. Here they were given important details of the race course and expected weather conditions that will have a crucial impact on race tactics.
Highlights from the Arrivals and Departures
There’s little that compares to the beauty and grandeur of the Tall Ships fleet as they sail into and parade out of port. We captured some of the magical moments in our video highlights.
ABOUT BERGEN
Bergen is often known as the “gateway to the fjords” of Norway. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage City and a European City of Culture. The city has a warm and friendly atmosphere, great hospitality, and majestic surrounding. It is widely known as a festival city, and it has gained a well-deserved reputation as an excellent host port. It successfully welcomed the international fleet in 1993, 2001, 2008, and 2014 – and we were delighted to return as part of the Tall Ships Races 2019.
THE TALL SHIPS RACES 2019
This year, Europe’s largest, free, family festival is visiting north-west Europe during the summer, with a fleet of over 70 international Tall and Small Ships. The three-leg event sees 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.
