The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen is underway, with hundreds of thousands of people expected to attend. The event features dozens of impressive vessels from around the world, including the tallest ship, Dar Mlodziezy, from Poland. A Met Office Yellow warning for heavy rain is in place for Saturday afternoon until Sunday. The city council will issue updates if there is any impact on the event.
Aberdeen will be turned into a “party city” with almost 50 ships confirmed to take part. There will be about 2,000 international crew members and hundreds of volunteers helping at the event. The races are designed to encourage international friendship and training for young people in the art of sailing.
The vessels are divided into four classes, ranging from large sailing ships to smaller single-masted boats. The BAP Union is the furthest travelled, having come to Aberdeen from Peru. The skipper of Norwegian vessel Sorlandet, Captain Tore Skjelbred-Knudsen, is looking forward to the event, saying it’s a gathering of these ships and a beautiful sight.
The event is billed as Europe’s largest free family event, with a “vibrant” line-up of live music, including Scottish trad, jazz, Afrobeat, hip hop, and Latin soul. Young children will be catered for with attractions at a family zone, including a giant sandpit. People can also get their picture taken with the Tall Ships Aberdeen mascot, Dorry the Dolphin.
Aberdeen city centre is expected to be very busy, with the organisers recommending the use of public transport or car sharing. Four regular Park and Ride services will be in operation, and road closures and parking restrictions will be in place on streets around Aberdeen harbour. The latest BBC weather forecast can be found online.
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