With less than 40 days to go until the start of the epic Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta Transatlantic race, let’s take a closer look at some of the numbers behind the fleet taking part…
Covering 7,000 nautical miles, the majestic Tall Ships fleet will undertake a blockbuster journey of celebration during the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta.
The Tall Ships Fleet
Fifty-four vessels are currently entered into the five race legs of the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta. Of these, four will be making the incredible journey from start to finish. These are:
- Blue Clipper (UK) Class B
- Jolie Brise (UK) Class B
- Peter von Danzig (Germany) Class D
- Rona II (UK) Class D
International Friendship
The theme of international friendship will be carried to the seven different countries involved in the event. An an impressive 22 different nationalities are represented by the Tall Ships fleet, which consists of 30 Class A vessels, 15 Class B, and nine Class C and D.
Country |
Vessels |
Country |
Vessels |
| Canada | 11 | Italy | 1 |
| USA | 8 | Norway | 1 |
| UK | 5 | Vanuatu | 1 |
| Netherlands | 5 | Cook Islands | 1 |
| France | 3 | Oman | 1 |
| Germany | 3 | Bermuda | 1 |
| Spain | 2 | Finland | 1 |
| Portugal | 2 | Peru | 1 |
| Russia | 2 | Latvia | 1 |
| Bulgaria | 1 | Malta | 1 |
| Chile | 1 | Ecuador | 1 |
Big Ships, Small Ships
One of the best things about every Tall Ships event is the diversity of the participating vessels, and the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta is no different. There’s a wide range of ages, shapes and sizes taking part. Just check out some of the stats below:
- The total length of vessels, end to end including their bowsprits, is well over two kilometers.
- The smallest vessel, Leila (UK), which was built in 1892, is only 14.43 metres long.
- The longest vessel, Union (Peru), which was built in 2015, is a staggering 115.75 metres.
CELEBRATIONS
There will be a lot of celebrations during the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta. The whole event marks the 150th anniversary of the Canadian Confederation (1867-2017). Plus, Bermuda will also host the 35th America’s Cup and Le Havre will celebrate its 500th anniversary.
There are a few vessels packing extra candles and cake during this event, including Gulden Leeuw (Netherlands), Christian Radich (Norway) and Santa Maria Manuela, who are all celebrating their 80th birthdays. Don’t forget Oosterschelde (Netherlands), who is celebrating her 99th!
There’s a total age difference of 123 years between the youngest and oldest vessels, with Leila (UK) at 125 years old and Union (Peru) at only two years old.
About the crew
Of course, the most important part of any Tall Ships event is the trainees, and the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta is no different. The event spans nearly half a year and visits seven countries, so there are loads of opportunities to get involved. Anyone can take part – no experience necessary!
- Total number of crew members in race: More than 900.
- Total number of trainees in race: Opportunities for up to 6,000.
- Vessel with the largest expected crew: Amerigo Vespucci (Italy) – 265 professional crew, 150 trainees.
- Vessels with the smallest expected crew: Regina Germania (Germany) – four professional crew, four trainees.
What’s Next?
Want to get involved with the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta and experience the adventure of a lifetime? Check out our event page for more information. You can book your place directly with a participating vessel, or if you’d like help simply email our friendly team on enquiries@sailonboard.com who can make recommendations, answer questions and process your booking for you.