Tall Ships

The mid-twentieth century saw an international campaign for the preservation of the last remaining large sailing ships of the late 19th and early 20th century. There was a strong cultural and economic desire for the continuation of old maritime traditions and seamanship.

The current crop of Tall Ships dating back to the great era of Sail has in recent decades grown. Classic sailing ships like the authentic three-masted schooner Oosterschelde (1917/1992) and the luxury replica clipper Stad Amsterdam feature among their number. Many others such as the British ship Tenacious also keep the traditions alive in English waters.  Reflecting their unique place in the modern world, new ships built to traditional specifications, still join the international traditional sailing fleet; the magnificent schooner Wylde Swan among them. Other attending Sail Royal Greenwich include the exact replica of Peter the Great’s Russian ship Shtandart. With a true international flavour the Sail Royal Greenwich fleet will be a proud symbol of multi-national cooperation.