I am sailing, I am sailing

During July 19 – 22 2025, Aberdeen hosted the Tall Ships Race.

49 sailing ships arrived in Aberdeen harbour ranging in size from small sailing yachts to large 3 and 4 master barques. They provide an opportunity for young people to experience life on a large ocean-going sailing ship. We spoke to a couple of young people who had arrived from the Netherlands. They were about to join one of the larger ships. This ship had a permanent crew of 10 and 35 guest crew for the leg from Scotland to Norway.

The first leg of the race was from Dunkerque to Aberdeen. Concerts organised on the quayside during the weekend created a lively atmosphere. The Red Arrows made an appearance on Monday evening. Unfortunately, the haar (coastal fog) limited visibility and forced them to shorten their intended display routine.

Below a selection of images culled from the Visions Facebook page in approximate chronological order.

Arrival

Ships started arriving on Thursday and Friday, so we will start with those and end with photos from the Tuesday when they left for Kristiansand in Norway.

*Spot Light on a tall ship – Bob Taylor*

*Sailing (not literally) into the harbour – Dave Lynch*

*Jolie Brise leaving Stonehaven – Ian Booth*

*Arriving into Aberdeen Harbour – Mark Bisset*

*Mark used his extra tall tripod for this shot.*

*Blue hour shot of the harbour – Mark Bisset*

Aberdeen Harbour – Saturday, Sunday and Monday

*The Peruvian 4 master barque and the vast crowds – Douglas McKay*

*One of the many musical entertainers – Stephen Lynch*

*It wasn’t always sunny – Graeme Youngson*

*That Gull has eaten too many stolen chips – Stephen L*ynch

*Curves, diagonals, verticals, create an Intriguing composition – Douglas McKay*

*Fortunately the sun was out when Lynda Gordon took this photo.*

*Sometimes it is worth looking for the small things – Kirsty Russell*

*Stephen Lynch – looking up and climbing up*

Sunday – Crew Parade

*What are they running away from? – Fiona Dyas*

*Aberdeen CIty centre ” This one made me laugh with the bloke at the front and Nuart at the back – Susan Gordon*

Monday – The Red Arrows

Monday evening we were treated to a display by the Red Arrows. A bit curtailed by the haar coming in but collectively we did manage to get a few shots. The huge crowds at the beach did appreciate the effort made by the pilots despite the less than ideal conditions.