Sunderland — Esbjerg

The Tall Ships Races regatta. A race across the North Sea and two big celebrations, at the starting port and at the finish line. The Tall Ship Races is not yet another race. It’s a major European – if not world-wide – event. Dozens of tall ships and hundreds of smaller sailboats from all over the world gather in ports of call. Tourists swarm at the waterfronts, fireworks in the night paint the sky in bright colors. Tall ship crews compete in all sorts of shore games, - from football to tug of war, - make friends and celebrate victory at the crew party. 

After a few days packed with shore events, it’s time to get underway. The whole fleet one by one will cast off their lines, set sails, and in a parade formation sail towards the starting line. The starting line is fairly far from the shore and you won’t be able to see the start of the race unless you’re on a boat. There’s going to a sky full of white sails and dozens of ships close to each other fighting for every split second while crossing the line. 

The itinerary is very simple. No ports of call. No engines allowed. Just the starting line and the finish line. Just sails. And a few days of a non-stop race. Depending on the wind, the time it takes us to finish might vary significantly. At the end of the race waits amiable Esbjerg, where the crews will rest after a strenuous competition and celebrate victory.