The Tall Ship Races 2025

Among the confirmed ships, the Sørlandet, a Norwegian fully rigged ship, stands out. Hailing from Kristiansand, it’s one of the oldest and most iconic tall ships, built in 1927. Measuring 56.7 meters in length with a 48-meter mast height, Sørlandet can accommodate up to 70 trainees. Captain Tore Skjelbred-Knudsen, a Kristiansand native, expressed pride in commanding the ship during its Aberdeen stop, emphasising its role in showcasing maritime heritage. Another notable vessel, the Wylde Swan, a Dutch topsail schooner, will also join the fleet. At 62 meters long, it’s the world’s largest of its kind, built in 2010 with a focus on sail training. Captain Marco van der Werf, with four years at the helm, encourages visitors to explore the ship in Aberdeen and engage with the crew.

The fleet also includes Class B vessels like the Boy Leslie and Skonnerten Jylland. The Boy Leslie, a 22-meter wooden ketch built in 1972, is known for its classic design and intimate crew of 8–10, often used for sail training in Scottish waters. Skonnerten Jylland, a Danish schooner built in 1951, stretches 31 meters and is a regular in tall ship events, offering a traditional sailing experience with a crew of up to 12. Other ships like the Christian Radich, a Norwegian full-rigger, and the Spanish Pascual Flores, a restored 1912 schooner, will also race, adding diversity with their historical significance and modern sail training roles.

Each port will host vibrant festivals, with Aberdeen expecting 400,000 visitors, featuring crew parades, music, and cultural exchanges, reinforcing the event’s mission of fostering international friendship and maritime adventure.