Lord Nelson -Tall Ships Race - Leg One

Join the Lord Nelson as she joins the Tall Ship gathering at St Malo at 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 St Malo, France the Lord Nelson will join others at the start line and head to Lisbon, Portugal. It will be all hands on deck to make the vessel sail as hard as possible.

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.

Lisbon

Lisbon's history has always been tied to the sea.  In 1500, it was the centre for the Portuguese Navigations and it was sailing down the Tagus river that Portugal's brave navigators went out to sea to discover the world.

In 1956 the city welcomed The Tall Ships Races for the very first event and became part of the huge celebration of youth and sail training that has lasted year after year.  The amazing fleet returned to Lisbon in 1982, 1992, 1998 and 2006 and this experienced port is looking forward to welcoming the Tall Ships back again in 2012!

From the 19th to the 22nd July, the Tall Ships fleet will be moored right next to the old part of the city providing a unique and magnificent experience.  A daily entertainment programme is being planned and the entire city is committed to making this event an unforgettable experience for Captains, crews and visitors.