Netherlands Events and Festivals

7/01/2009 - 7/31/2009Tall Ships Races

The spectacular Tall Ship Races sees about 40 traditional sailing vessels take to the waters in an awe-inspiring race across the ocean. The ships are manned by crews of experienced sailors and young trainees from over 20 different countries. Organised by Sail Training International, this unique event aims to give young people the opportunity to gain sailing experience by working in international crews. There are four stage to the race, and each stage includes four or five days of activities at the home port with racing or cruising-in-company between ports. The event first began in 1956 as the brainchild of a London-based solicitor and a Portuguese ambassador as a means of keeping the traditional tall ships on the water. Over the years, the races have developed to become one of the biggest events of its kind that attracts participants from all over the world.