Photos by EGoL

The Tall Ships' Races 2007

The Tall Ships' Races is an annual tall ships' rally, once known as Operation Sail. Its organiser is sail training International.

In 1938, on the initiative of captain Arnold Schumburg, a few sailing boats gathered in Stockholm, which is perceived as the first the tall ships' Races rally, though unofficial.
After the war the idea was picked up by a British lawyer Bernard Morgan, who proposed to have regular races, so that sailing boats could prove to be faster than steam ships. The first official rally was held under the patronage of Prince of Edinburgh in 1956, on the route between English Dartmouth-Torbay and Portuguese Lisabon. There were 21 boats in the race. The event was so successful that its organisational committee was turned into a permanent organisation, and then it became Sail Training International with headquarters in Great Britain. Its aim is to educate young people about sailing, both on board of tall ships and during rallies or races. That's why, according to rules, half of a crew must consist of youth aged 15-25.

In 2004 Antwerp became sponsor of the rally, called under its previous name 'The Tall Ships' Races'. The races are very popular. The number of partakers and spectators is steadily increasing, and port cities fighting for the right to organise the rally are waiting in long queues. The route invariably leads through different countries and ports. Every time the final changes its place.

Today, The Tall Ships' Races consists of two races and one friendly stage (exchange of crews). Apart from regular the prizes, the most friendly crews are awarded. The main prize, granded by captains of the participating vessels, is for 'creating the atmosphere of international friendship'.

(www.szczecin2007.pl)