If you have been bitten by the Tall Ships bug, here is the opportunity to get your ‘fix’ - The Tall Ships Regatta sails into Dublin Port from Friday, 1st June to Monday, 4th June. Organised by Sail Training International, the stopover in Dublin is hosted by Dublin City Council & Dublin Port Company. This year, the Regatta features seventeen ships racing from Liverpool to Dublin. They will then continue on to the historic Bay of Biscay, finishing up in Bordeaux, France. While this event is not on the scale of the Tall Ships Races of the past, it will give maritime enthusiasts a flavour of what these majestic ships are like, up close.
Over the June Bank Holiday weekend, the smaller ships can be viewed in Grand Canal Dock and the larger ships will be berthed on Sir John Rogerson’s Quay. The public is welcome to visit some of the ships on Saturday and Sunday.
"The larger ships will be berthed on Sir John Rogerson’s Quay"
Welcoming the Tall Ships to Dublin, Ardmhéara Bhaile Átha Cliath/ Lord Mayor of Dublin Mícheál Mac Donncha said “As Admiral of Dublin Port, I would like to welcome the Tall Ships and their crews to Dublin city. I am delighted that over 50 trainees from the North East Inner City have been given the opportunity to take part in the race with the support of Sail Training Ireland. Events like the Tall Ships Regatta help to showcase the River Liffey as an amenity for leisure and recreation activities and strengthen the links between Dublin city and the port. Cuirim fáilte roimh na longa seoltóireachta go Baile Átha Cliath agus ta súil agam go mbainfidh daoine taithneamh as an chúirt.”
A planned highlight of the event, a Parade of Sail when the ships will sail out of Dublin Port will, however not now take place, according to organisers. See update here.
Eamon O’Reilly, Chief Executive, Dublin Port Company said: Dublin Port Company is proud to welcome the Tall Ships Regatta to Dublin. “We’re passionate about celebrating Dublin as a port city and supporting leisure and recreation on the River Liffey. Our Masterplan 2040 includes a commitment to greater port-city integration and initiatives such as Tall Ships Regatta reminds us all of Dublin’s rich maritime past and continued relevance today”.
He added “This is the perfect time to discover the wonderful opportunity Sail Training provides for the 50+ Dublin crew participating in this race that range in age from 19 to 67. They are testament to how appealing this activity is to all ages! Sail Training Ireland works closely with youth organisations and, this time worked directly with the North East Inner City (NEIC) Taoiseach’s Task Force, to provide life-changing experiences for people of all ages”.
Also welcoming the ships to Dublin, Terre Duffy, Development Manager of Waterways Ireland said “As the custodians of over 1,000km of Ireland's navigable waterways, we especially welcome the Tall Ships Regatta to Grand Canal Dock. This stopover will inspire people to discover and enjoy recreational activities on the water, thus optimising the opportunity for growth in this important area of Ireland's heritage.”
Paul Bishop, Race Director, Tall Ships Regatta Dublin 2018 said, “It’s great to come to a city where Tall Ships and their trainees are the key element of the event. The Tall Ships visit to Dublin in June presents a great opportunity to support the development of young people through sail training and Dublin Port will be the perfect host for our international crews.”
This year the Tall Ships Regatta replaces the Dublin Port Riverfest which, historically, has taken place on the June bank holiday weekend.
In addition to the regular water based activities that take place in the Docklands, such as City Kayaking, Viking Splash Tours, Dublin Bay Cruises, Surf Dock and Wakeboarding in Grand Canal Dock, this weekend will also feature the colourful ‘Old Gaffers’ race, as well as some animated street performances on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
