Thousands of visitors came to visit the international Tall Ships fleet in Halmstad today (Saturday 1 July) and the ships crews enjoyed street entertainment, bands playing on three different stages and a big tented Crew Centre, with bean bags, computers, snacks and games.
The world famous, colourful Tall Ships Crew Parade gave visitors the chance to meet all the crews – in uniform and fancy dress.. And Halmstad kindly provided sewing machines and accessories to help everyone make their creative parade costumes. The grand finale was the Crew Prize Giving ceremony, on the events Main Stage. And in the evening all crew members were treated to an exclusive party with DJs and a shanty band.
See the full progamme of events in Halmstad here. The event continues until Monday 3 July.
CREW PRIZES
Oldest Ship in the Race: Leila (UK), Class B. Year launched 1892 – 125 years old.
Ship Making the Most Impressive Arrival: Morgenster (Netherlands)
Best Dressed Ship in Port: Royalist (UK)
Ship Furthest from Home Port: Shabab Oman II (Oman) (6,502 nautical miles)
Best Crew in the Crew Parade – Class A: Cisne Branco (Brazil)
Best Crew in the Crew Parade – Class B: Gratitude (Sweden)
Best Crew in the Crew Parade – Classes C and D: Esprit (Germany)
Best Dancing Crew in the Crew Parade: Fryderyk Chopin (Poland)
SPORTS PRIZES
Ship Making Best Contribution to Sports Activities: Pogoria (Poland)
Volleyball Winners: Shabab Oman II (Oman)
Stand up Paddleboard Winners: Espirit (Germany) and Challenge Wales (UK)
Triathlon Winners: Belle Poule (France) Time: 1:16:43
Table Tennis Winners: Urtica (Poland)
SAIL TRAINING INTERNATIONAL youth council AWARD
Halmstad Harbour Challenge: Tesia (Poland)
Sustainable TALL SHIPS EVENT – On Land
A lot of work goes into putting on an event like the The Tall Ships Races and the ports try to ensure it leaves a positive, lasting impact on the community.
Halmstad is a sustainable event, awarded with an environmental certificate. This means the event aims to make the least possible environmental impact, and to benefit society as much as possible. To meet this standard the event has been audited by an independent approved auditor who has officially verified that the event meets the necessary requirements.
Initiatives include biodegradable mugs and plates, organic and vegetarian dishes.. There is a sustainability themed square; waste plans and guides and recycling points for paper, plastic and glass throughout the site. Young people and those with special needs are supported to work on the event and a ‘sailing for integration project’ has been encouraging new Swedish sailors to sail together.
There are good cycle paths and bikes are available for crews to rent and there is a great public bus service to help everyone explore the city more widely.
The beautiful environment around Halmstad is also promoted to encourage crew to explore the stretches of sandy beach in Őstra Stranden, Vástra Stranden and the most loved beach of all, Tylösand. Fishing is available nearby for a moment of peace and quiet and there is a beautiful, marked walk along the coast which begins at Halmstad Castle.
Sustainable TALL SHIPS EVENT – At Sea
Eight vessels in port are registered with Blue Flag status, which means they agree to:
- Not throw anything overboard, at sea or in port.
- Not release “black water” (sewage) into the sea near coastal water or sensitive areas.
- Use and promote recycling facilities.
- Not buy or use objects from protected species, or from archaeological underwater findings.
- Report any pollution or environmental violations.
- Protect animals and plants, and not engage in forbidden fishing.
- Respect vulnerable and protected areas.
- Encourage other sailors to take care of the environment.
The vessels are:
Class As – Loa (Denmark), Pogoria (Poland), Santa Maria Manuela (Portugal), Sorlandet (Norway).
Class B – Rupel (Belgium)
Class Cs – Black Diamond of Durham (UK), Challenge Wales (UK), Esprit (Germany).
ABOUT THE TALL SHIPS rACES
If you’ reading this and think taking part in The Tall Ships Races sounds like fun – well – it is. And you can take part too – zero experience necessary. Places are available on ships across the fleet – you could even sail from Hamstad to Kotka, if you had the time free!
Halmstad, Sweden 30 June – 3 July
RACE 1
Kotka, Finland 13 July – 16 July
CRUISE-IN-COMPANY
Turku, Finland 20 July – 1 August
RACE 2
Klaipeda, Lithuania 29 July – 1 August
RACE 3
Szczecin, Poland 5 August – 8 August
All five host ports are experienced and boast a total of 11 Tall Ships Races and Regattas between them. Take a look at each of the race pages to see which vessels are taking part. Many are still looking for trainee crew to join them; simply pick a vessel and go their website to book your place. Or email enquiries@sailonboard.com and our helpful team will do all the hard work and help you find the perfect ship for you!
Follow the event on the Sail Training International Facebook page where we will be post photos and videos throughout the event.
Photos: Banner and feauture image – Cisne Branco (Brazil). Sail Training International.