Lord Nelson -Tall Ships Race taster

Join the Lord Nelson as she sets sail for St Malo and the start of the 2012 Tall Ships Race. 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.

From Southampton you will head to St Malo on the north French coast where you will arrive in time for the build up to the first race, and will enjoy the festivities laid on by the town.This is a great alternative if you wish to enjoy some of the festivities but perhaps do not wish to race.

PDF - Crew notes for the Lord Nelson

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.

St Malo

Due to its eventful past as a buccaneering town (Cité Corsaire), Saint-Malo is forever associated with the literature and romance of the sea. Chateaubriand, Lamennais, Jacques Cartier, Surcouf, Duguay-Trouin: the exploits of these famous former citizens have left an enduring mark on the memory and temperament of those you will meet there today.

This is the atmosphere that grips you as you enter the gates of the inner town.  Over Saint-Malo blows a breath of adventure, a breeze of poetry, and invigorating gusts of wind from the sea.  The ramparts that have watched over the picturesque streets and shops for centuries are there as a reminder of the town's glorious past.  Wherever you are, your eyes are drawn to the indescribable emerald blue of the sea.  You can take a break on the vast expanse of sand on the Sillon beach; take a brisk walk around the ramparts and breathe in the tangy, salt laden air; or take a trip on an old sailing vessel - Saint-Malo, romantic, magical, but never defeated, has a way of seducing all its visitors.

The imposing shadows of the great seafarers' ships on the wall of the old town are much more than a souvenir:  Saint-Malo is a regular host to The Tall Ships Races when the vessels bring back to the harbour the town's maritime heritage.

This is more than a voyage into the past, it is also a voyage into the future.  The ships welcome on board young trainees who have to face the challenges of a lifetime on board in the open seas and, in the process, learn resilence, life in close community, friendship, mutual help and all life competencies that will turn them into caring adults, respectful of the differences between people.