Kristiansand is hosting the 2010 Tall Ships' Races

This national celebration with non-stop entertainment and the maritime festivities in the harbour area will ensure that Kristiansand becomes the hub of Norway during these days (29 July to 1 August 2010). 300 000 visitors are expected.

"Fullriggeren Sørlandet"

The Tall Ships' Races is an international event with young people, and for young people under the direction of Sail Training International. It is the annual regatta for small and large sailing ships, which is organized in different European cities.The regatta's aim is to promote good relationships between young people through different activities whilst the ships are alongside.

The host cities also organise events for hundreds of thousands of people who join in this festive extravaganza. In 2010, all of Sørlandet (Southern Norway) will be invited to create the largest event ever to be held in our region. Kristiansand is thehomeportforSørlandet, a favourite icon sailing ship and a symbol.

The vessel will, serve as the city's ambassador in the Tall Ships' Races 2010 and will be at the centre of the event. The event is to last over four days and offers an extensive cultural programme for all. Local and regional businesses are given the possibility of profiling themselves to a large section of the public.

The event demands very high standards for the environment programme from the host cities. Kristiansand will strive to show as the environmentally friendly city with future-oriented solutions in transport, waste disposal, energy and in recruitment. Sponsors and partners will have the possibility of marketing themselves locally and regionally, as well as internationally. The environmentally friendly profile will help to promote Kristiansand as a very attractive arena for marketing products and services.

Great benefits from the international interest in the opportunities offered by our region are expected. It will be a chance to show the enormous growth in business and commercial life and highlight the need for more workers. The whole maritime environment, schools sector, institutions, associations and individuals will have the possibility of using the Tall Ships' Races as an inspiration for their work.