ANCHORS AWEIGH : REGISTRATION OPEN FOR THE TALL SHIP RACES ABERDEEN 2025

The journey towards The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025 has begun as a call for volunteers, Sail Trainees, sponsors, and more was launched today (21 July 2023).

The public and businesses are invited to register their interest in supporting the four-day celebration on 19 – 22 July, at www.tallshipsaberdeen.com:

• Become a Sail Trainee: The Tall Ships Races offer life-changing opportunities for people aged 15 and 24 to experience life upon a ship.
• Volunteer: A variety of rewarding roles will be available and could include way finding, information points, meet and greet, and stage and site management support.
• Sponsor: Sponsors will play a crucial role in making Aberdeen's event a success and help young sail trainees from the city to partake in a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
• Commercial trading: A wealth of commercial opportunities will be open to local businesses, spanning from pop-up retail to food sales and much more.
• ·Cultural programme: The four-day cultural extravaganza surrounding The Tall Ships Races offers ample opportunities for performers, musicians, artists and more to get involved.
• Hospitality: Experience an unparalleled location for a corporate function, staff party, or family gathering on the deck of a Tall Ship.

The launch coincided with the arrival of three Tall Ships – Atlantica, Bima Suci and Statsraad Lehmkuhl - in Port of Aberdeen, as they journey to The Tall Ships Races Lerwick 2023.

The Atlantica, renowned for her distinctive sleek design and rich history, is a Swedish sail training vessel that has seen countless voyages around the globe since 1982. Launched in 2017, Bima Suci is the Indonesian Navy’s newest, and largest, sail training ship. Accompanying her is the grand Statsraad Lehmkuhl, a stunning three-masted barque built in 1914 and hailing from Norway.

Two local Sail Trainees, Becca Owen and Megan Downie, have joined the crew of the Atlantica for the competitive race leg sailing from Aberdeen to Lerwick, Arendal, and Gothenburg. Both Becca and Megan are enthusiastic sailors, with Becca experiencing the Sail Trainee life on board the Swan during The Tall Ships Races 2022, and Megan completed a five-day Tall Ships residential and watch leader training. Their participation is made possible by Port of Aberdeen, through Sail Training Shetland.

A comprehensive social programme is in place for the Tall Ships' crew and trainees, including access to Aberdeen's cultural and heritage attractions.

Recognised as Europe's largest free family event, The Tall Ships Races has previously visited Aberdeen in 1991 and 1997, sparking city-wide pride. In 2025, the event is anticipated to attract up to half a million attendees from 19 to 22 July.

Adrian Watson, Chief Executive of city centre BID Aberdeen Inspired, said: “It’s great to see the plans for the Tall Ships 2025 gathering pace and even with two years to go, there are already some fantastic opportunities for local young people, volunteers, businesses, artists and performers to get involved in what will be another spectacle for Aberdeen.

“We can’t underestimate the impact the Tall Ships has on our city, bringing hundreds of thousands of visitors to Aberdeen to join local residents soaking up the vibrant atmosphere on the quayside as well as spending time in our shops, hospitality venues and hotels.”

Bob Sanguinetti, Chief Executive, Port of Aberdeen, said: “"We're incredibly excited to be embarking on the journey towards The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025. The races embody a spirit of community and adventure, and we can’t wait for the city of Aberdeen to experience this unique maritime celebration once again.

“We encourage local businesses, community groups, and individuals to get involved, whether through sponsorship, volunteering, or participating as Sail Trainees. Each contribution plays a crucial part in making this event a memorable success, and in offering our young sailors a truly transformative experience.”