Three magnificent Tall Ships will sail into Aberdeen this weekend ahead of the races returning to the city in 2025.
Swedish sail training vessel, Atlantica, and the grand Norwegian Statsraad Lehmkuhl will stop in Aberdeen on Friday and Saturday on their way to Shetland.
And they will be joined by the 365ft Bima Suci, the Indonesian navy’s largest and newest sail training ship
Last week, TS Royalist, the winner of the Tall Ship Races 2017, was the first to arrive in the city.
She was welcomed to the Port of Aberdeen by the Sea Cadets who joined the crew on a skill-building voyage.
Tall Ships be in Aberdeen this weekend
The arrival of the ships marks the two-year countdown until Aberdeen hosts the Tall Ship Races, which is expected to draw an attendance of up to half a million people.
This year, the city has been selected as a Cruise in Company Guest Harbour with visitors given access to attractions in the city and ticket holders able to step onboard the Statsraad Lehmkuhl to learn about its history.
Lord Provost David Cameron said the arrival of the three ships “is a great curtain raiser” for the 2025 event.
He said: “As ever, I am sure local people will respond enthusiastically to the berthing of these three beautiful vessels in our port. Demand is sure to be high among Aberdonians and tourists to see the ships and set foot on board the Lehmkuhl.”
Can you go on Tall Ships while they’re in Port of Aberdeen?
The 320ft Statsraad Lehmkuhl is welcoming members of the public aboard while it is berthed in Aberdeen.
However, all tickets have already been snapped ahead of it arriving in the port.
Those who did manage to secure tickets will step back in time as far as the vessel’s origins in 1914 and sample Norwegian hospitality.
Opportunities for trainees in Aberdeen
Port of Aberdeen is supporting two trainees through Sail Training Shetland who will embark on the Atlantica’s competitive journey from Aberdeen to Lerwick, Arendal and Gothenburg.
Trainee Rebecca Owen, 19, from Banchory, said: “I am really looking forward to sailing out of my home port, as well as seeing some beautiful coastlines from Atlantica.
“I am very grateful to have this opportunity to adventure as well as broaden my horizons and meet so many new people.”
Megan Downie, 24, from Northfield, said: “I am so happy and excited to be a part of the Tall Ships Races in 2023. I just can’t wait to get out on the water to just feel free.
“I am so thankful for this opportunity and grateful to Port of Aberdeen for giving me this chance to take part in this experience.”
Bob Sanguinetti, chief executive of Port of Aberdeen, added: “We’re incredibly proud to be hosting these illustrious Tall Ships and their crews.
“Aberdeen’s maritime history runs deep and these events are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate it, inspiring a new generation of sailors.
“The Tall Ships Races provide incredible experiences for young people to develop, learn new skills and see the world.
“We are delighted to sponsor our trainees, Rebecca and Megan, as it underscores our commitment to creating opportunities and nurturing a diverse and dynamic maritime industry.”