44 magnificent vessels are now confirmed for The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025 – meaning the Granite City is set to host the largest fleet of this year’s world-class event.
Organisers are now on track for their target of welcoming 50 Tall Ships to Port of Aberdeen, transforming the harbour in the heart of the city into a “forest of masts” to delight the hundreds of thousands of visitors expected to flock to the event.
The ever-growing number of vessels taking part – including 17 magnificent Class A Tall Ships – is bound to generate even more excitement with less than six months to go until the Races berth in Aberdeen from 19 to 22 July. Details of all the confirmed ships can be found on the Tall Ships Aberdeen website.
Race registration is open until 1 May and Aberdeen’s most recent ship sign-ups are Mexican Navy ship ‘Cuauhtémoc’, the youngest of Poland’s Tall Ships’ ‘Fryderyk Chopin’, and ‘LOA’, an impressive three-masted schooner hailing from Denmark.
Cuauhtémoc’. Credit: Sail Training International
The Tall Ships Races 2025 will take the fleet through Le Havre, Dunkirk, Aberdeen, Kristiansand, and Esbjerg, promising an unforgettable summer of international maritime celebration.
Vanessa Mori, Deputy CEO of Sail Training International, said: "All the host ports will offer incredible experiences for the fleet, but six months out, it’s clear that many will converge in Aberdeen. The city’s rich maritime heritage and warm hospitality make it the perfect destination for these spectacular ships and their crews."
This year marks the triumphant return of The Tall Ships Races to Aberdeen for the first time in nearly 30 years. The event, billed as Europe’s largest free family event, is expected to draw 400,000 visits over its vibrant four-day programme from 19 to 22 July, making it Aberdeen’s biggest event in a generation.
Councillor Martin Greig, Aberdeen City Council’s culture spokesman said: “As we arrive at the six-month countdown stage to Tall Ships 2025, it is a perfect opportunity to look forward to even more magnificent vessels from around the globe on their journey to Aberdeen for the city’s spectacular festival in July.
Fryderyk Chopin. Credit: Sail Training International
“44 - and counting – is a tremendous number of confirmed vessels at this stage. Each ship and its crew will play a huge role in bringing in crowds from far and wide in what will be a great economic and cultural boost for Aberdeen.”
Bob Sanguinetti, CEO, Port of Aberdeen, said: “The response so far from The Tall Ships fleet has been incredible and we’re delighted that Aberdeen appears to be the port of choice for 2025. From the magnificent navy training ships to smaller yachts, and everything in between, we can’t wait to welcome the international crews to sample the delights of Aberdeen.
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “All sea lanes lead to Aberdeen as this spectacular fleet of Tall Ships heads for the Granite City. I cannot wait to see the harbour become a forest of masts in what will be the largest gathering of these beautiful vessels taking part in this year’s Tall Ships Races.
“Just as impressive will be the impact on Aberdeen – both for our local economy and our global reputation – as thousands of people flock to the city for this wonderful event. The Tall Ships will arrive on a high tide of opportunity for the Granite City and I urge everyone to make the most of it, whether loving the thrilling, carnival atmosphere of the weekend or enjoying the business boost it offers.”
LOA Credit: Sail Training International
The enthusiasm for the Tall Ships experience is evident, with more than 900 people already applying to volunteer and 300 aspiring sail trainees hoping to join a crew on voyages from Dunkirk to Aberdeen or Aberdeen to Kristiansand. Applications for sail trainees, open to those aged 15 to 25 living in an AB postcode, and volunteers, aged 16 and over and available for a minimum of three shifts, close on 31 January.
To help local businesses make the most of the celebrations, organisers are hosting a free webinar on 18 February, from 10:00 to 11:30 am. This inspirational session will provide practical advice, guidance, and a Q&A. Registration is essential and can be made here.
For more details, visit The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025 website.