Tall Ships Nova Scotia Bound as Race Kicks Off

The first leg of the international Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge Race destined for Nova Scotia kicks off today, April 30, in Vigo, Spain.

One of the world's largest Tall Ships, the Kruzenshtern from Russia, has joined the race, which is headed to Tenerife, Canary Islands.

Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge is a series of sailing races, cruises, crew rallies and maritime festivals at ports surrounding the Atlantic Ocean. Organized by Sail Training International and the American Sail Training Association, the race will cross the Atlantic for Hamilton, Bermuda on June 11-15. Ships then set sail to the other Atlantic coast ports -- June 25-29 in Charleston, S.C., July 8-13 in Boston, Mass. and July 16 in Halifax.

"Nova Scotia is always a popular destination for the fleet's crews," said challenge race chairman, Bernard Heppener. "Halifax, in particular, is a fitting place to kick off the final leg of the race, as it has become world-renowned for its festival atmosphere."

The Halifax-to-Belfast portion of the race starts July 20.

Among the international vessels signed on for the Halifax leg are: Belle Poule and Etoile, both from France; Captain Miranda, Uruguay; Cisne Branco, Brazil; Concordia, Barbados; Eagle, Mystic, and Fazisi, from the U.S.A; Europa, The Netherlands; Jolie Brise and Rona II, U.K.; Peter von Danzig, Germany; and Spirit of Bermuda, Bermuda.

"The caliber of this summer's Tall Ships gathering is world-class as visitors will have the rare opportunity to see and board some of the fastest and largest Tall Ships in operation today," said Minister of Economic and Rural Development Murray Scott. "All Nova Scotians benefit from events like the Tall Ships through job creation and the increased number of visitors to our province."

The 2007 festival generated $27.5 million in direct economic benefits for the province, including $2.5 million in direct provincial tax.

"Looking at the home ports of the 2009 fleet of Tall Ships, it is evident that we are welcoming the world to our waterfronts," said Waterfront Development Corporation Limited president and CEO, Colin MacLean. "Our communities are poised to receive over 2,000 seafaring visitors with open arms and offer them a Nova Scotian experience."

The provincewide outport program includes Halifax Harbour, July 16-20; Lunenburg, July 22-23; Port Hawkesbury and Louisbourg, July 22-23; Sydney, July 25-26, Pictou, July 28-29, and Pugwash, July 30-Aug. 1.

Tickets are on sale to board ships in Halifax Harbour. Volunteer opportunities are still available, with a specific need for marine security in the Port of Halifax.

For more information, visit www.tallshipsnovascotia.com or call 902-405-7700.