Vessels of all shapes and sizes sailed into town for four days of festivities attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors in August 2010.
They came from all over the country and left with great memories of the town.
Hartlepool Borough Council in partnership with the National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool, PD Ports and Hartlepool Marina Ltd have submitted a bid to host the event again in 2023.
In the meantime, take a look at these great pictures. Do they bring back memories? Are you in them or were you too young to remember?
13. Farewell from the crews
The crew of Shabab Oman taking part in the parade. Photograph by Bernadette Malcolmson. Photo: Bernadette Malcolmson
14. Lining the streets for the big parade
Townsfolk lined Marina Way to enjoy the colourful big parade of crew members on the final day of the event. Photo: CRAIG LENG
15. Farewell from Hartlepool
People watched from the shore as the tall ships left town after four unforgettable days. Photo: Mail file