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Tall Ships Race - Cherbourg ~ July
France’s main maritime event of the year!
During July 3,000 sailors
and 100 tall ships converge on Cherbourg for four days of festivities. An
extraordinary event which appeals to anyone who loves traditional sailing
vessels !
Originally made popular by
a previous sponsor under the name "Cutty Sark", the Tall Ships’ Race is
one of the most prestigious international events within the world of
traditional sailing vessels. It was started in 1956, organised by the
English association "Sail Training International", and aims to promote
sailing amongst young people across the globe (half of the crews are aged
between 15 and 25).
In 2005, Cherbourg was
chosen to host the second stage of the race, which starts in Waterford, in
Southern Ireland, and ends in Fredrikstad in Norway, including a stop in
Newcastle, UK. With its expertise in organising major nautical events
(Solitaire du Figaro, Open UAP, Cutty Sark 87, Challenge Mondial
Assistance, sailing Tour de France…), the port of Cherbourg is also one of
the few French ports with the capacity to welcome such a large
international fleet of ships.
An extraordinary
fleet of 100 tall ships…
Nearly one hundred tall
ships are expected to arrive: every type of
traditional yacht represented, from giant sea vessels (some of
which are more than 100m long) to the smaller boats. The 3-mast square
rigger, the Christian Radich (75.20m) from Norway, is one of the first to
register its participation.
Schooners, 3-masted craft,
brigs... all will gather in the heart of the town, either in the
commercial harbour or along the quaysides. The vessels will all be open to
the general public, and it is also possible to arrange a trip on board
either for the race stage between Waterford and Cherbourg, or a cruise
from Cherbourg to Newcastle (for more information, tel: 02 33 87 88 28 or
website:
www.ville-cherbourg.fr).
Festive Cherbourg
The town is in
festive mood over the four days during which more than 500,000 visitors
are expected. The programme includes concerts, strolls, film shows,
fireworks, parade of the crews...
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