Christian Radich

The first Tall Ships’ Race took place in July 1956 between Torbay (GB) and Lisbon. It was such a huge success that a committee was created under the guidance of Lord Mountbatten to make the race an annual event. In 1972, the race adopted the name “Cutty Sark” from its whisky producing sponsor. 

Cutty Sark was also the name given to a three-masted ship launched in 1869 to transport tea between Sydney and London. It was the fastest clipper of its day.

Raw recruits on board

Since 2002, Sail Training International has organised the race without any official sponsorship but with some financial support from the town of Antwerp for the racews of 2004/5/6.

Their objectives are to make sailing accessible to young people from all over the world and toencourage them to forge life-long friendships and relationships through their shared experiences.

The youngsters are registered for racing or cruising. In 2005, the cruise-in-company will be between Cherbourg and Newcastle with several boarding points (opportunities to join and leave the ship between the 2 ports). Each participating port is tasked with boarding a minimum of 25 trainees.

Solidarity at sea

Peculiar to this race, the winning ship is not necessarily the one which arrived first. Team spirit and sportsmanship are just as important as the racing performances.

Great and small side by side

The Tall Ships’ Race is not only open to class A ships (40m +) but also to smaller vessels.