The Tall Ships Races 2018 in Esbjerg got off to a spectacular start on Wednesday as the fleet filled the harbour of the Danish city, which celebrates its 150th anniversary this year…
Just as the Opening Ceremony was about to start under glorious sunshine, Statsraad Lehmkuhl (Norway) came alongside in breathtaking fashion with trainees aloft singing shanties directly in front of the terrace of the Blue Water building where VIPs and crowds were gathered.
“We’re very happy to welcome the Tall Ships Races fleet here to Esbjerg, especially on this special year when we are celebrating our 150th birthday as a port and a city.”
Mayor of Esbjerg, Jesper Frost Rasmussen
Sail Training International Race Chairman, Knut Western, said the whole fleet was looking forward to the Tall Ships Races’ fourth visit to Esbjerg.
“We remember well the event here four years ago, it was a great success. I am certain that the Tall Ships Races 2018 will be another step forward in the rich and fruitful relationship that exists between Esbjerg and Sail Training International.”
Knut Western, Sail Training International Race Chairman
Statsraad Lehmkuhl (Norway) came alongside in breathtaking fashion during the Opening Ceremony
A LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCE
Amongst the trainees arriving in Esbjerg today were Branson Teles, 20, and his sister Shannon, 17, from Houston, Texas, who received bursaries from the City of Esbjerg to take part in Race One of TSR2018 on Santa Maria Manuela (Portugal). The siblings, whose mum is Danish, were visiting family in Esbjerg four years ago during the fleet’s last visit and applied for bursaries after their Danish family forwarded details.
“The experience couldn’t have been any better and we’d definitely do it again,” Shannon said during a public presentation in Esbjerg’s Maritime Square.
“We were mesmerised by the ships when we visited four years ago and it’s like a dream come true to be here now,” Branson said.
This evening the City of Esbjerg, renowned as an energy metropolis, will host a Captains’ Dinner at Musikhuset Esbjerg, the city’s performing arts centre.
An action-packed four-day programme is planned in Esbjerg including a range of sporting activities for the international crews, and a Crew Parade and Prize Giving Ceremony for Race One tomorrow afternoon.
ABOUT THE TALL SHIPS RACES 2018
Participating in The Tall Ships Races 2018 is a fantastic experience that you can take part in too! There’s zero experience necessary and there are places are available on ships across the fleet on the remaining Cruise-in-Company and Race Two legs. There’s no need to wait – just do it!
Sunderland, UK 11 July – 14 July
Esbjerg, Denmark 18 July – 21 July