With the chance to board a ship, to feel the gentle rock of the boat in the harbour and to be part of the story.
Many of the Aberdeen-based TRACS team enjoyed participating in and observing this and previous Tall Ships events.
Fiona Swapp : “With family, I enjoyed boarding some of the ships, cheering in the throng as the crews paraded through the city, watching the Red Arrows display and listening to music throughout the four-day event. What a sight to see!
Looking back to the late 90s Tall Ships event in Aberdeen, as well as taking in the sights and sounds of the massive event, I recall queuing for four hours, waiting in anticipation to board one of the ships, hoping to enrol as a crew member. There were two spots, and they quickly filled; I missed out, but the anticipation of being part of a crew on a tall ship was exciting.”
It was no different this year for the younger generation. The chance for them to be involved is inspiring.
Youngsters from 15-25 are involved in every crew. Most with no seafaring experience. And what an experience!
The boats sailed into harbour from Dunkirk, France, on the leg of the race to Aberdeen https://sailtraininginternational.org/event/tall-ships-races-2025/ . A massive welcome from those on the quayside greeted the last ship to berth, and the excitement of the crew was evident; they had had the time of their lives.
At the opening ceremony, Jackie Mullinor took part as one of the 75-strong Rock Choir.
“It was great, and such a positive buzz around the city. I was singing again (12 songs!) later in the afternoon at Caslegate, but I came back with Guy on Sunday to have a wander around and take a look. The whole event was great, wasn’t it?”
Lynn Smith : “As part of the Cosmics running group, we hosted some of the crew on a social run through the environs of Aberdeen and the coast on Sunday and then spent the afternoon around the docks. I went up to Greyhope Bay yesterday lunchtime to see them depart. What a great event! Enjoyed a good bop with the Kaiser Chiefs too 😊”
Yesterday, a parade of 49 ships sailed out of Aberdeen, heading to Kristiansund in Norway, with prayers read out to every passing boat for a safe voyage, and tens of thousands at the beachfront, quayside, Torry Battery and Greyhope Bay, waving a fond farewell. A sight to behold!
