Long before the age of steam, the River Mersey was a forest of masts as merchant ships plied their trade between its docks and Ireland, Europe, the Americas and beyond.
The city’s love affair with sail has endured. And if all you ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by then Liverpool also remains a must-visit port of call for any serious sailor.
Over the past 30 years, Liverpool has played host to several festival fleets, and millions of visitors who have flocked to the Mersey to see these magnificent maritime beauties at close quarters.
The official Tall Ships Race brought more than 60 vessels from Europe and North America to Liverpool in 1984, their visit coinciding with the International Garden Festival.
Eight years later, in 1992, Spain’s King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia were entertained on board the bunting-clad brigantine Juan Sebastian de Elcano, while Prince Andrew represented the Queen as the Tall Ships Race returned.
All eyes were on Liverpool during its year as European Capital of Culture in 2008, and all eyes in Liverpool were on the armada of stunning sailing craft which assembled over four days in July as part of that year’s Tall Ships Race.
Masts lined the river from Wellington and Sandon to the Albert and Canning Docks, and a million people crowded the waterfront to see ships take part in a spectacular parade of sail including the Lord Nelson, Morgenster and Pelican of London, all of whom are returning for the Three Festivals Tall Ships Regatta.
Then in August 2012, the Irish Sea Tall Ships Regatta once again brought a nostalgic feel to the historic waterfront, as more than a dozen ships descended on the Mersey, opening their decks to visitors and taking part in a proud crew march past and a memorable parade of sail on the river.
Here’s a few of our highlights from previous Tall Ships events in Liverpool:
