Celebrations have begun today (Friday 22 July) in this warm, friendly and multicultural city, which opens its arms to welcome the international fleet for the seventh time.
This year, the Tall Ships Races is celebrating its Diamond Anniversary. It’s exactly 60 years since the first race took place from Torbay, UK, to Lisbon, Portugal in 1956. So, we’re expecting a special event in this captivating, cobble-stoned city.
Lisbon has a grand tradition of hosting the races – it welcomed the Tall and Small Ships in 1956, 1964, 1982, 1998, 2006, and 2012. This year, festivities take place from today (Friday 22 July) to Monday (25 July), and will welcome a crew from around 30 different countries.
We’re extremely pleased to see several vessels that took part in the very first race in 1956 back in Lisbon: Christian Radich (Norway), Georg Stage (Denmark), and Maybe (UK). Along with the rest of the fleet that’s arrived in the city, these magnificent vessels have completed Race 1 from Antwerp, Belgium to Lisbon – a distance of 770 miles.
Full provisional race results can be seen here.
Festivities in Lisbon include sports competitions, concerts, DJs, the Crew Parade, and Prize-Giving Ceremony.
Opening Ceremony
Visitors started to visit the site from 10:00, ahead of the official Opening Ceremony at 11:00, attended by the Lisbon Port Authority, Cruise Terminal, Portuguese Chief Staff of Navy and Sea Affairs Minister.
Knut Western, Race Chairman, Sail Training International, said:
“Lisboa was the finishing port of the very first Tall Ships Races, in 1956. Today we mark the 60th anniversary, and it is with great pleasure I thank the city and port of Lisboa, and Associação Portuguesa de Treino de Vela – APORVELA – for their generous and professional support, making it possible for the Tall Ships fleet to come back here for the seventh time in all these 60 years.
“Since the beginning in 1956, The Tall Ships Races have made a significant contribution to the lives of thousands of young people. I believe: also a contribution to peace.”
Captain Immo von Schnurbein from Alexander von Humboldt II said:
“I am delighted to sail our ship into Lisbon – we have a long lasting relationship with this beautiful city and it feels like coming home.”
About Lisbon
Lisbon sits on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. It faces the sea, and uses water as one of its defining elements.
The city overlooks the Tagus River (Rio Tejo) and captivates its many visitors with its Gothic cathedrals, Roman and Moorish ruins, majestic monasteries quaint museums, and a plethora of sunny cafes.
Lisbon’s lamp-lit old quarters will transport you back in time, while the newer parts of the town reveal an undeniably youthful spirit, with vibrant bars, clubs and street parties.
Check out our port page for Lisbon for more information.
You can also check out the Tall Ships Races 2016 event for more details.
Selfie Competition: Win a WiFi Camera
All crews are invited to enter the Tall Ships Races 2016 Selfie Competition. Just take a selfie – in port or at sea – and upload it to Twitter, Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #TSRSelfie. You’ll have the chance to win a Polaroid WiFi Camera. Winning entries will be announced at the Prize-Giving Ceremonies in Lisbon and Cádiz.
Photo: Spectators gather to see the magnificent Tall Ships Races 2016 Lisbon.