The Tall Ships Race 2011

Some might say the oceans have lost some of their magic – pirates are no longer lovable rogues; maritime monsters now have scientific names; and even the existence of mermaids is doubted by even the saltiest of seadogs.

However, there are still a few nautical spectacles that summon up the era of derring-do, white whales and wooden legs – and the vast traditional sailing vessels known as the tall ships are such as sight.

They come in many shapes and sizes – from cutters to sloops, from brigs to barques, from yawls to ketches. And, while the names might have an anachronistic ring to them, the worldwide fleet of tall ships is in rude health as enthusiasts seek to preserve the heritage of the high seas. What’s more, a veritable armada of these vessels will be heading to the western and northern coasts of Scotland this summer, making for a maritime spectacle second to none.

Those taking part come in peace, drawn by the allure of the Tall Ships Races – a series of annual sailing competitions that have been staged all over the world. Started in 1956, at a time when sail power had almost become obsolete, it was launched in a bid to preserve the ancient art of sailing large vessels on the open seas. And, in keeping with the philosophy of the event’s founders, at least half the crew of each participating ship must be between 15 and 25 – allowing young people to breathe new life into an age-old tradition as well as to experience the tough and challenging lifestyle of an ancient mariner, aloft in the vertiginous rigging, trying to avoid flying booms, and even taking the helm of these beautiful ships.

Although often referred to as a race, the event in fact takes place over several stages and includes three competitive legs, as well as a more sedate section. This year the first race starts at Waterford, Ireland, ending at Greenock. During the next stage of the voyage, known as the Cruise in Company, competition is eschewed in favour of a comparatively leisurely nine-day sail from Greenock to Lerwick, with ports making a big effort to welcome the ships and their crews. The second race goes from Lerwick to Stavanger in Norway, and the third and final race goes from there to Halmstad, on Sweden’s west coast. But the voyage is far more than a straightforward bid to be the first to cross the finishing line, as there is a good deal of opportunity to interact with the populations of various ports along the way.

Aboard the tallest of the tall

Alasdair MacPhail, of Campbeltown, is well placed to give an idea of the tall ships experience. He sailed as a 19-year-old trainee aboard the Wylde Swan, the world’s tallest topsail schooner, from Antwerp to Aaalborg in the first leg of last year’s race.

“It was hard work, but very rewarding,” he explains of the 400 nautical mile voyage, “and I’ve taken away many happy memories from the trip.”

‘Seeing the ship in full sail in the middle of the North Sea was quite an experience and it was interesting trying to adjust to the tilt of the ship – some mornings my bunk was listing 15 degrees to port and others 15 degrees to starboard, which could make getting out of bed quite a challenge!

“Amongst other things it was a great opportunity to meet people from other countries and I’ve kept in touch with most of my fellow trainees, so I now have friends in Holland, Finland, Belgium, Spain and Portugal.

“We saw some beautiful and interesting sights. Some of the sunsets at sea were amazing and the Swedish archipelago was stunning, even though we had some near misses with the ferries there – an experience that taught me some interesting new words.

“Going up on deck to cross the finishing line after two-and-a-half weeks at sea was really satisfying and when we got to Aalborg, the captain, who knew I had a kilt, handed me the ship’s sign and asked me to lead the parade through the streets.”

Lerwick calling

While all the guest harbours will have entertainment on offer, it is likely to be Lerwick that will witness the greatest gathering of the whole competition, as the Shetland capital has been selected as the event’s official host port and is set to entertain over 2,500 crew members from some 60 ships from 20-24 July. This was an honour last bestowed on the town back in 1999 and, if the last such shindig, which attracted some 74,000 visitors and participants, was anything to go by, this year’s event is not to be missed. The entertainment includes a colourful crew parade, live music and a quayside DJ each evening, so sailors and landlubbers alike can experience a warm welcome in an event with a true community feel.

And it won’t just be the visitors who benefit, for the Shetland economy is also set to receive a massive boost. The whole Cruise in Company is predicted to generate £10 million for the Scottish economy as a whole and, considering 1999’s event raised over £2million in Shetland alone, it is hoped the islands’ businesses will receive a welcome windfall from the arrival of these stately ships.

Watch Tall Ships videos on Youtube

There are a selection of Tall Ships Races videos on youtube to give you a taster of the action!