The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen

With only 275 days until The Tall Ships sail into Aberdeen, local residents are being urged to get ready, get excited and get involved.

Applications are now open for both volunteers and sail trainees to be part of Aberdeen’s biggest event for a generation.

The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025 returns to the city for the first time in nearly 30 years from 19-22 July 2025. It is Europe’s largest free family event and is expected to draw 50 Tall Ships from across the globe as well as attract 400,000 visits to the city.

Young people between 15 and 25 years old living in an AB postcode can apply to be part of a Tall Ship crew, and anyone over 16 can sign up to take up a range of volunteer roles during the event.

More than 1,500 people have already registered interest through The Tall Ships Aberdeen website and today (Thursday) representatives from the organising partners  – Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeen Inspired and Port of Aberdeen – gathered around The Tall Ships Countdown Clock at the city’s train station as they announced the application process is now open.

 

Adventure of a lifetime

The world-renowned, sailing extravaganza is offering the adventure of a lifetime for young local people to be recruited as sail trainees. They will get the chance to sail aboard a Tall Ship from Dunkirk, France to Aberdeen, or from Aberdeen to Kristiansand, Norway.

No prior sailing experience is required and the opportunity is designed to be inclusive, diverse and accessible. There are at least 100 funded places available, as well as the option of self-funding.

Young people who want to apply can do it online here.

Call for volunteers

Volunteers are essential to delivering a successful festival and giving the international crews a warm Aberdeen welcome.

The city’s harbour will transform from an energy hub into a world-class event space which will offer a whole range of opportunities from ship liaison officers to transport co-ordinators and visitor experience hosts.

Applications are open to people aged 16 or older by 1 July 2025 who are available for a minimum of three shifts between 19 and 22 July.

Individuals who want to volunteer can apply online here.

The process

A programme of public engagement is planned around the city and shire to let people know about The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025 and encourage them to apply to be part of it.

Applications close for both volunteers and trainees at the end of January 2025, after which the selection and training process will begin.

The four-day festival begins on 19 July with the fleet’s arrival and opening ceremony. The city centre will buzz with more than 1,500 sailors joining the international crew parade the next day, featuring live music, dance, and theatre.

Throughout the festival, visitors can board the magnificent Tall Ships and enjoy free family entertainment. The big stage programme will include a diverse mix of local and Scottish talent, from sea shanties and choirs to street performers, maritime themed exhibitions, artists, crew and navy bands, and visiting headline acts.

The ships depart for Kristiansand, Norway, on 22 July, with a parade of sail along the beach esplanade offering a memorable farewell.