Lord Nelson -Tall Ships Race - Finale

Join the Lord Nelson in Dublin for the final days of the Tall Ships Races 2012.

Dublin is the final host port for the 2012 Races so be sure to expect the best of Irish hospitality. Fireworks, fun and festivities will be on offer before the fleet set sail for distant shores. The Lord Nelson will be leaving the Celtic waters of Ireland for those of Scotland, as she heads north to Greenock in the Firth of Clyde.

The Tall Ships Races are an annual event in European waters where a spectacular collection of vessels gather for several weeks of exciting racing and festivals. Each host port organises a programme of social, sports and cultural events, a crew parade through the streets and other activities which enable the crews from more than 30 countries to meet and visit each other's ships. The Races are very popular with spectators and regularly attract up to a million visitors in each host port.

Whilst part of the crew in the host port, you will be welcome aboard many of the other vessels, and join in with crews from other vessels.

Best Chance to Join the Tall Ships Race

Joining the Tall Ships Race is not easy this year. We only have two ships doing it, Lord Nelson and Europa. The beauty of Lord Nelson is that there are no age restrictions and so those over 25 can participate. There will still be a lot of young people on board as there always are for Tall Ships Races but those over 25 we also be present.

We know from many years experience that you need to book early to join the Tall Ships Race.

PDF - Crew notes for the Lord Nelson

Dublin

Dublin is a city that truly captures your imagination.  The capital city of Ireland, it is a centre of infinite interest and activity. Dublin embodies two very distinctly different features - its rich and varied history and cultural life which coexists happily with the ever changing, vibrant beat of contemporary life.  

Cobbled alleys, Viking remains, Georgian squares - Dublin’s history goes back over a thousand years. Monuments in literature and stone mark the history, writers, poets, scientists and people of Dublin. Medieval, Georgian and Modern architecture provide a backdrop to a friendly bustling port.  

Fine museums and attractions chronicle Dublin’s long and colourful past.

Dublin last hosted the Tall Ships in 1998 and it brought to mind the rich history and close associations between the port and the city that had grown up around it.  When the Tall Ships return in August 2012 they will be greeted by a significantly altered skyline that now includes the Samuel Beckett Bridge, Dublin Convention Centre, the Spire, the Grand Canal Theatre and the O2.

Greenock

Greenock is a city full of maritime history, only 22 miles downstream of Glasgow. Until the river upstream was dredged, Greenock was the major town serving the needs of Glasgpw, due to the natural deepwater channel close to its shores. It also played a major part of the British shipbuilding industry.

The Firth of Clyde is a wonderful cruising ground, with natural shelter from the Atlantic in the form of islands such as Arran and Bute. It is sometimes referred to as a sea, and many also refer to it as being a part of the Irish Sea.