The Tall Ships last came to Belfast in 1991 when they berthed at Pollock Dock and were visited by 250,000 people. In August 2009 Belfast has been chosen to be the finish port for the Atlantic Challenge. The festival will take place within Belfast's Harbour over five main sites: Clarendon Dock, Pollock Dock, Queens Quay and Albert Quay with entertainment also being provided at Custom House Square.  The Event will have something for the whole family including live entertainment, continental markets, funfair rides, street entertainers, arts and crafts and a display of Naval vessels at Pollock Dock.

 

The fleet will gather in Vigo on the northwest corner of Spain for the start of the first race in the series, From there, the fleet will race  westward to Bermuda, to the US east coast to Chesapeake Bay before proceeding to Boston, USA.  The fleet will cruise in company to Halifax and this will be followed by a final race starting on Monday 20 July across the North Atlantic to Belfast, which will host the series’ grand finale celebrations.

The purpose of the race is sail training for young people from all over the world, giving them the wonderful, unforgettable experience of sailing these magnificence ships and fostering friendship and understanding between different nationalities and backgrounds.

For more information on the Belfast Maritime Festival