Lord Nelson -Tall Ships Race - Leg Three

Join the Lord Nelson for the final leg of the Tall Ships Race 2012 from A Coruna, Spain to Dublin.

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 A Coruna, the Lord Nelson will go north and head back into UK waters, crossing the finish line at Dublin.. The Tall Ship Races are a lovely mix of socialising and sailing, and although everyone wants to win, just being a part of the collective energy and excitement is fantastic.

PDF - Crew notes for the Lord Nelson

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.

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.

Cadiz

Cadiz is a city that is open to the sea,  its three thousand years of history are marked by a maritime tradition that lives on to this day.  Cadiz also has a great tradition of Tall Ships Races, with events in 1992, 2000 and 2006 all of which have been a great success.

In July 2012 Cadiz will again host a Tall ships event.  This time however it will be a particularly special celebration.  The city`s grand maritime tradition will join with the commemoration of the Bicentenary of the first Spanish Constitution which was drawn up in Cadiz in 1812.

Cadiz has been chosen as Iberoamerican Culture Capital and host city for the Iberoamerican Heads of State and Government Summit in 2012.  These two important events together with the stopover of The Tall Ships Races will form the base of the cities Bicentenary celebrations.

Cadiz is a city steeped in maritime history, from the Phoenicians, to the voyages to the New World. The city’s historical centre reflects this in its architecture and monuments, making it ideal for walking around.

Cadiz is also a gastronomic paradise with a grand variety of restaurants and tapas bars. In addition to this is the city’s sunny, warm climate and the friendliness of its people which will make your stopover at The Tall Ships Races unforgettable.

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.