Tall ships from 17 countries are arriving early in Esbjerg, Denmark, ahead of the opening of The Tall Ships Races 2025, due to a forecast of windy weather along the Jutland west coast.
According to Esbjerg Municipality, the sailing vessels are being redirected to port earlier than planned to ensure the safety of crews and ships. The first arrivals are expected as early as Tuesday evening, even though the event is officially scheduled to start on Wednesday.
What is The Tall Ships Races?
The Tall Ships Races is an annual international event involving large sailing vessels (known as “tall ships”) that sail from port to port across Europe in a celebration of maritime culture, youth training, and international friendship. Organized by Sail Training International, the event typically includes both races and port festivals, welcoming thousands of visitors and participants. Crews are often composed of young trainees aged 15 to 25, offering a unique opportunity for intercultural learning and seamanship.
Esbjerg has hosted the event six times since its first involvement in the 1990s. This year’s edition brings together 42 ships from 17 different countries, making it one of the largest international gatherings in the city since the beginning of the summer.
Safety measures and early logistics
The decision to allow ships to enter port ahead of schedule was taken in coordination with local authorities and maritime organizers, following warnings about strong winds forecasted along the Danish west coast. Early docking aims to prevent risky navigation conditions and ensure that all crews can participate safely in the planned activities.
Port authorities and volunteers have been mobilised to support the early arrivals, adjusting timetables and infrastructure to accommodate the tall ships and their crews in advance.
A festive week in Esbjerg
Despite the early arrivals, the public festivities are still scheduled to begin on Wednesday, with concerts, exhibitions, and open-ship visits throughout the harbour area. The city expects tens of thousands of visitors over the week, with the Tall Ships Races marking a cultural highlight of the summer season on the Danish west coast.
