The Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta
Feb 20, 2017
Organized to celebrate Canada 150, the 150th anniversary of the Canadian Confederation.
The Tall Ships are coming! The Regatta covers 7,000 nautical miles, visits seven different countries – UK, Portugal, Canary Islands, Bermuda, USA, Canada, France – and cruises to over 30 beautiful Canadian guest ports.
These events will give millions of visitors around the world the opportunity to see the impressive international Tall Ships fleet up close. Or the unique opportunity to be part of the action, as a participant, not just as a spectator!
Depending on availability adventurers can choose to take part in a voyage lasting just a few days, or up to four weeks to sail across the Atlantic Ocean. As well as the chance to sail a Tall Ship as a complete novice, there will be festivals in every port. Starting in Royal Greenwich UK over the April Easter weekend (13-16 April), festivals are also being planned in Sines (29 April–1 May); a 48-hour stop-over in Las Palmas, Canary Islands; Bermuda (at the same time as the 35th America’s Cup 1–5 June); Boston, USA (17-22 June); Québec, Canada (18-23 July); Halifax, Canada, (29 July–1 August), finishing in LeHavre, France, (31 August-3 September).
Sail to Canadian Guest Ports
As well as the race ports across and around the Atlantic, the fleet will be spread across 30 Canadian ‘guest’ ports, with each ship visiting at least four, some visiting up to ten, with the entire fleet of over 40 ships converging on Quebec City for one big party!
Away from the energy of racing and port festivities, the guest ports offer a chance for crew to explore the beautiful maritime provinces of Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick, as well as the provinces of Québec and Ontario.
Participants can choose which Tall Ships and ports they’d like to visit to take full advantage of the diverse maritime heritage that Canada has to offer. During these stops they will treated to a programme of events and special crew facilities that are being provided to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary milestone this year.
About the Regatta
The Regatta has been organized to celebrate Canada’s rich sailing history and support international friendship and understanding.
Tall Ships from Canada, Chile, Cook Islands, Ecuador, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Peru, Russia, Spain, UK and the USA have already signed up to take part – and they are looking for people to sail them. Sailing with the support of professional crew gives people the opportunity to sail the ship with instruction, and get involved as much or as little as they feel comfortable with.
The event is organized by registered UK based charity Sail Training International, working in partnership with the City of Québec, in association with Le Rendez-Vous Naval de Québec.
