Eyes turned towards Ipswich’s Waterfront today as an impressive fleet of tall ships sailed to the town’s shores as part of a challenge called the Race of the Classics.
A total of 24 vessels left Rotterdam on Wednesday for the event. They are due to leave Ipswich tomorrow for the final leg of the race, which will end in Amsterdam.
In addition to regular crew members on the ships there were about 800 young businessmen and women on board, helping to keep the vessels going, while networking at the same time.
Frans Veelenturf, first mate of the ship Twister, said: “They will never forget this for the rest of their lives and we hope as a crew it will be a life experience.
“Seeing all the ships is really impressive.
“They are already in Ipswich buying fish and chips and they will want to visit the supermarkets. We know on average they will spend about £25 each in local shops.” The race has now been taking place for more than 25 years and happens twice a year, with one challenge for young professionals and the other for students.
As well as networking, it also gives those on board the opportunity to appreciate the tall ships and how they work.
Harry Creer, who works in the London office of a company called Heerema, which works in offshore facilities for the global oil and gas industry, was sailing on the three-masted topsail schooner, Hendrika Bartelds.
The 31-year-old added: “We get to promote the companies but it is really about trying to raise the profile of the ships and that they are kept in good shape.”
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