The Waterford estuary

With 45,000 inhabitants, Waterford is one of the oldest cities in Ireland, built by the Vikings in 914, and now famous for its lead crystal glassware. On the south-east coast of Ireland, at the mouth of the River Suir, the town will welcome the Tall Ships’ Race for the first time from the 6^th-9^th July.

Cherbourg : Tall Ships’ Race “take 2”

A deep water port protected by the largest man-made harbour in the world, Cherbourg is used to hosting grand nautical events. This is the second time Cherbourg has been a port of call for the Tall Ships’ Race. In 1987, the town celebrated the arrival of the 30 or so participants of the Cutty Sark race. The 2005 race will see a wealth of festivities and ships in Cherbourg : the grandest ships will line up alongside the Gare Transatlantique, the smallest in the Bassin du Commerce, in the heart of the town. Of the 4 ports of call, Cherbourg is the only true sea port.

Newcastle-Gateshead and the Millennium Bridge

Even though Liverpool has been given the title of “European City of Culture” in 2008, its rival Newcastle-Gateshead has just as much to boast about : with more than 200,000 inhabitants, it is a city overflowing with culture and architectural wonders, including the famous Millennium Bridge over the River Tyne. Having already welcomed the fleet in 1987 and 1993, the city is looking forward to 25^th-28^th July when the fleet will adorn the banks of the River Tyne.

Fredrikstad on the Oslo Fjord

Closed to the Swedish border at the mouth of the Oslo Fjord, Fredrikstad, built in 1567, is proud of its remarkably well-preserved old walled town. Fredrikstad will witness the end of the race between the 3-6^th August. The fleet will arrive via the River Glomma, having navigated the waters of the Archipelago.