Tall Ships organisers thrilled to have Hartlepool back for 2023 as three other host ports confirmed

It was announced in March that Hartlepool would welcome back Tall Ships in 2023 by once again being a host port for the international sailing races.

Three other host ports have now been confirmed by organisers of Den Helder in the Netherlands, Fredrikstad, in Norway, and Lerwick, in Scotland.

Like Hartlepool, each has hosted the event in the past.

Tall Ships Races International Ltd, a subsidiary of Sail Training International, say they are confident each port will provide a spectacular reception for the Tall Ships fleet and that together they will embrace Sail Training International’s mission of youth development and international friendship and understanding.

Alan James, Tall Ships Races International Ltd’s chief operating officer, said: “We have immense pride in our rich history with Den Helder, Hartlepool, Fredrikstad and Lerwick and look forward to returning to these ports with The Tall Ships Races 2023.

"We are thrilled to welcome back old friends of the series and are confident these ports host the international Tall Ships fleet in spectacular fashion with their longstanding maritime legacies.

“We have no doubt that these Host Ports will extend a warm welcome to ships and trainees alike, showcasing our values of international friendship and understanding and the development of young people.

"We look forward to bringing The Tall Ships Races 2023 to the North Sea with great excitement.”

A fifth and final host port of the series is due to be announced in the coming months.

The precise date for the event in Hartlepool has yet to be confirmed but it will take place over four days in the summer.

Hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the UK visited Hartlepool marina when it last hosted the Tall Ships Races in 2010.

Council Leader Councillor Shane Moore said the town’s waterfront facilities are “second to none” for welcoming vessels in 2023.

And Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen says the event will attract national attention to the whole of the Tees Valley and boost the region’s economy after Covid-19.