The biggest ever event to be staged in Belfast takes place this summer, when the magnificent Tall Ships Race sails back into the city.
The city will act as the home port before the start of the 2015 Race, with dozens of the world’s finest sailing vessels berthed in Belfast over the weekend of July 2 – 5 and the event is FREE!
This is the third time that Belfast has welcomed the Tall Ships Race, having previously staged the event in 1991 and 2009. However, with the city acting as the staging post for the first leg of the race, even more ships will be taking part this year, with more than 50 vessels – including 17 massive Class A ships – making the port their home for four days before setting off on their annual challenge.
Launching this year’s event, the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Arder Carson, commented:
“In terms of events, they don’t really come much bigger than the Tall Ships Races.
“While, over the past number of years, we in Belfast have established an internationally-renowned reputation for staging high quality, high profile events, from the MTV EMAs through to last year’s World Police and Fire Games, the figures for the Tall Ships speak for themselves. More than 50 of the world’s finest sailing ships, and their crews, from Europe, North and South America and further afield, will be berthed in Belfast for four days, and we are predicting that more than half a million people will visit them while they are here!
“Add to that, the hugely positive national and international media coverage will bring for the city, coupled with the massive economic benefit – estimated to be in the region of £10 million or more – and you can understand why we are so delighted to have the Tall Ships Race return to Belfast so quickly after its last visit just six years ago.”
The annual Tall Ships Race is owned by Sail Training International (STI), a UK-based charitable organization. Race Director Paul Bishop paid tribute to Belfast’s commitment to the event.
“We’re delighted to bring the Tall Ships Race fleet back to Belfast following our successful visits in 1991 and 2009. Belfast has a great maritime heritage and is renowned as a ‘sail training friendly port’. The crews are guaranteed a terrific welcome before racing to Aalesund, Norway, in the first leg of The Tall Ships Races 2015.”
For further information on the events taking place over the weekend, the ships and where they will be berthed, the ancillary entertainments’ programme, park and ride facilities and so on, visit www.tallshipsbelfast.com. You can also keep up to date with news here
