One year to go Tall Ships Lerwick

The one year to go countdown has begun as Lerwick prepares to host the Tall Ships Races from 26 – 29 July 2023. The countdown activity begins with a drop-in launch event planned exactly 12 months before the fleet sails into Lerwick Harbour, which will be held in Shetland Museum and Archives auditorium, on Tuesday 26 July from 1-8pm.

The launch event is an opportunity to network with others anticipating next years race, reminisce on previous events through the public sharing photos and film of past Tall Ships Lerwick events, and for local businesses to find out more about potential sponsorship and volunteering. It's also an opportunity to celebrate the excitement that will come with the return of the event to Shetland next year.

Anyone interested in becoming a Tall Ships volunteer, or sailing aboard one of the tall ships as a trainee, will be able to find out more information at the drop in launch event. 

What is Tall Ships Lerwick 2023?

Tall Ships is an annual race series, which has been arranged by Sail Training International since 1956, which provides life-changing adventures for thousands of young sail trainees every year. For 2023, Lerwick is one of the host ports and will welcome the fleet and international crews with Shetland's well renowned hospitality for four days of celebrations in port. This will build on the success of the previous events hosted by Lerwick in 1999 and 2011. From the 26 – 29 July next year, Lerwick will host a fun-filled four days of sailing, parades, music, and entertainment, and more.

The Tall Ships visit to Lerwick will provide free access to view the ships, with many welcoming the public aboard. Hundreds of young people aged 15-25 will have the opportunity to sail aboard and enjoy life-changing experiences as the fleet sails between Den Helder (Netherlands), Hartlepool (England), Fredrickstad (Norway), Lerwick and Arendal (Norway).

Shetland Islands Council led the isles’ successful bid, in partnership with Lerwick Port Authority and Shetland Tall Ships Limited, which will undertake delivery of the event locally. EventScotland and Sail Training Shetland will also be supporting the event, as well as other organisations.

EventScotland is working to make Scotland the perfect stage for events by securing and supporting an exciting portfolio of sporting and cultural events. They do this through a range of funding programmes aimed at supporting both major, national, local and community events.

Next year’s visit is being core funded by Shetland Islands Council and EventScotland, part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate.

Get involved

If you have any photos of videos to share with the Tall Ships Lerwick 2023 team, this can be done by sharing these by emailing info@tallshipslerwick.com or through social media platforms Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok.

For more information about Tall Ships Races Lerwick 2023, take a look at their website.