The Tall Ships' Races 2008

Organised by Sail Training International
Supported by Antwerp

www.sailtraininginternational.org

A spectacular fleet of sail training vessels representing many countries ranging from Brazil and Mexico to Bulgaria and Oman will gather in Liverpool (UK) on 18 July for the start of the five-week Tall Ships' Races 2008.

The Tall Ships' Races visit to Liverpool will form the centre-piece of year-long celebrations as European Capital of Culture. The majority of the Class A vessels will be berthed in the Wellington and Sandon half-tide docks. The smaller class B, C and D vessels will be berthed at Albert, Salthouse, Canning and Canning half-tide docks creating a vast area dedicated to The Tall Ships' Races along the Mersey. The fleet's arrival will trigger a mammoth four-day maritime jubilee celebrating the port's 800 year history on a World Heritage waterfront which has undergone a £1 billion makeover. From its world class national collection of museums, galleries and theatres to a legendary music scene and multi-cultural festivals, Liverpool is known for its ability to have fun.

After the parade of sail down the Mersey on 21 July, the fleet will head north to an area off the north coast of Northern Ireland for the race start which will take place on 23 July. This time should prove valuable for crew training before the race itself. Once under way, the fleet will have a challenging voyage around the top of Scotland and across the North Sea to Måløy, Norway (1-4 August).

Måløy is one of the smallest ports ever to host The Tall Ships' Races with less than 4,000 inhabitants, but what they lack in size they will make up in personality, commitment and an outstandingly beautiful location. The port is located in a basin that is sheltered from the weather and open sea by a string of islands and surrounded by mountains and is Norway's biggest fishing harbour. While the fleet is in Måløy the town centre will be turned into a pedestrian area to make way for hospitality tents and entertainment for the public and crews.

After four days in Måløy the fleet will undertake a cruise-in-company to Bergen, Norway (9-12 August). This route is sure to be popular as it takes in some of the most spectacular scenery along the Norwegian coast and fjords, some of which run for more than 100 miles inland with magnificent waterfalls, mountains and glaciers. The ports of Selje, Nordfjordeid, Sandane, Stryn, Olden, Kalvåg, Florø, Naustdal, Askvoll, Bygstad, Balestrand, Skjolden, Flåm, Gudvangen and Strusshamn have made plans to welcome vessels with free berthing and a number of activities and excursions for the crews.

Arriving in Bergen, the fleet will discover one of the world's most beautiful natural harbours with the city running steeply up from the water to crown hills and mountainsides. The city, with its wooden houses, museums and markets, has a long maritime history and is making plans for a full programme of activities available for everyone. The city has hosted The Tall Ships' Races twice before and plans to make this one the most memorable yet.

Race Two will take the fleet south along the west coast of Norway and down the North Sea to Den Helder, Netherlands, for the final celebrations (20-23 August). Den Helder is just 80km north of Amsterdam and is the Netherlands' number one seaport for offshore sailing. The city has a number of maritime monuments and naval fortifications, dating back to Napoleonic times. The fleet will be berthed in and around Willemsoord, once the ancient Napoleonic dockyard of the Royal Netherlands Navy, now fully restored as a nautical theme park under the name of Cape Holland. With museums, cinemas, restaurants and a marina, Den Helder will provide an extensive programme of activities for the crews and be the location of the final prize giving, including the awarding of the prestigious Friendship Trophy.

The four host ports of Liverpool, Måløy, Bergen and Den Helder have been planning for many years to ensure that the 8,000 trainees and crew will have a tremendous time.