07.01.2015
Royal Greenwich to host spectacular transatlantic Tall Ships Regatta
Following the success of last year's event, the magnificent fleet will return in 2017.
It will be one of the world's largest transatlantic Tall Ship events, thanks to an agreement between the Royal Borough of Greenwich and Sail Training International (STI).
The event, involving some of the largest Tall Ships in the world, will take place during the Easter weekend of 2017.
From Greenwich to Quebec
The Royal Borough of Greenwich will be the start host port for STI's Rendez-vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta to Quebec in Canada.
The Transatlantic Tall Ship Regatta marks the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the Canadian Confederation through its founders and founding provinces.
The race will see a fleet of Tall Ships leaving Greenwich to sail across the North Atlantic Ocean, with visits to selected host ports in five countries.
Life-changing event for young people
Over 1.1million people flocked to the borough in September to be part of the Royal Greenwich Tall Ships Festival 2014. Local businesses enjoyed record sales, with over £17million of additional expenditure into the local economy.
In addition to increasing visitor numbers and spend, a key objective for hosting the event was the development opportunities for young people. Sail training has for decades been recognised as a fantastic way of helping young people gain valuable experiences, skills and confidence applicable to their personal and professional lives. Thanks to sponsorship from businesses, 50 local young people took part in this life-changing experience, racing from Falmouth to Greenwich.
Visitors to the festival enjoyed a packed programme of entertainment, including maritime activities and re-enactors, music, theatre, fireworks and ship visits – finishing with the marvellous sight of the vessels taking to the Thames at the same time for the Parade of Sail.
The 2017 event is expected to echo the success of the 2014 festival and attract even more Class A ships and international visitors to the borough.
Clear economic benefits
Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Councillor Denise Hyland said: "To be the host port for this international event is a huge privilege and we know we offer the ideal location - our stunning waterfront and historic maritime buildings will make a wonderful backdrop for these vessels."
"After hosting the Royal Greenwich Tall Ships Festival 2014, Royal Greenwich has proved once again that we make the perfect location for a large-scale event. Like the Olympics, it has cemented our reputation as a leading destination. The economic benefits of our tourism industry are clear. It creates jobs, creates spend in our local businesses, and gives us a firm footing on the global stage. I look forward to welcoming these glorious vessels back in 2017."
