Storm Changes Course: Tall Ships Fleet Arrives Early – Esbjerg Prepares for Maritime Festival
The majestic Tall Ships of The Tall Ships Races are setting course for Esbjerg ahead of schedule. A forecasted storm means the fleet will arrive already on Monday evening.
To bring both ships and crews safely into port, the fleet will dock in Esbjerg late on Monday, August 4 – ready for four days of maritime celebration starting Wednesday.
“Safety for the ships and their crews is always our top priority. With a storm approaching, it is necessary to change course and allow the fleet to seek safe harbor in Esbjerg earlier than planned,” says Magda Makowska from Sail Training International.
The Port Remains a Workplace Until Wednesday
Although the ships will already line the quays from Monday, the port area will remain closed to the public until Wednesday at 10:00 AM.
Esbjerg Port is an active workplace with daily commercial traffic. In addition, Monday and Tuesday are dedicated to building the event area, where large machinery and equipment are working intensively in both the Dock and Traffic Harbors to transform the quay into a festive maritime venue.
“We understand that the ships’ early arrival will spark great curiosity. However, in order to give the port’s businesses space for their daily operations and allow our team to finish preparing the event area, we will only open to the public on Wednesday. In return, we look forward to welcoming everyone to a waterfront filled with tall ships, music, and maritime atmosphere,” says Kirsten Bisgaard Kirchner, Event Manager at Esbjerg Municipality.
We Look Forward to Welcoming Everyone
From Wednesday, August 6 at 10:00 AM, the quays open to the public, and Esbjerg transforms into the center of Europe’s largest free maritime family event. Visitors can look forward to 44 impressive tall ships in the Dock and Traffic Harbors, free concerts, and a wide array of maritime experiences for all ages.
“We are working intensively behind the scenes to ensure everything is ready to welcome our guests on Wednesday. Once we open, four days of towering sails, sea spray, and world-class maritime festivities await,” concludes Kirsten Bisgaard Kirchner.
Facts about The Tall Ships Races in Esbjerg 2025
- Esbjerg is hosting for the sixth time. The first time was in 1993, and the most recent was in 2022.
- The city is designated as an anchor port by Sail Training International, a special status for key cities.
- 44 ships are participating, including 14 large Class A ships.
- Ships come from 17 nations.
- Main sponsor is local company VIKING Life-Saving Equipment.
- The Dock and Traffic Harbors will be temporarily open to the public from Wednesday, August 6 at 10:00 AM.
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