The Tall Ships Races are coming to Aberdeen next summer and there are amazing opportunities to get involved.
Local residents are being urged to get ready, get excited and get involved as the event returns to the city for the first time in nearly 30 years on 19-22 July 2025.
Applications are open for both volunteers and sail trainees to be part of Aberdeen’s biggest event for a generation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
To find out more – and get applying – head over to The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen website.