The Tall Ships Races festival is back next summer!

- "Ever since Kristiansand Municipality received a positive response to its application to be the host municipality, planning has been underway internally in the municipality," she says.

"This is the first time the municipality has been responsible for everything from A to Z in terms of organization. Previously, responsibility for the implementation of the event was assigned to a limited company owned by Kristiansand Municipality and the Chamber of Commerce for the Kristiansand region. In September 2022, Kristiansand Municipality's application to bring Tall Ships Races to Kristiansand for the third time was approved. It was the city council that had taken the initiative for the application.

The event will take place next summer from July 30 to August 2, 2025.

Project Manager Tronstad has been involved with the Tall Ships Races ever since she was hired as project support for Bjarne Ugland in 2009. She has become particularly fond of the elegant sailing ships, but says that what drives her most of all is working to facilitate young people so that they can take part in the event and feel included.

- "What the Tall Ships Races is all about is giving young people between the ages of 15 and 25 the opportunity to learn to sail and experience mastery and brotherhood across all barriers and national borders," she says. "We in Kristiansand municipality want to give young people a nice and inclusive experience at sea, regardless of what they already have in their 'backpack'. Such an experience can be an important turning point in a young life.

Kristiansand Municipality has already entered into cooperation agreements with a number of companies in the Kristiansand region, but needs more supporters.

- "We have a good part of the financing in place, but there is still a lot of money to be raised. This has taken a lot of time and effort," explains Tronstad. "Fortunately, we now have an external company in place that will help us secure the remaining funding.

Experience from both Kristiansand and other Norwegian host cities is that the event has had a positive economic impact on the entire region.

- We hope that as many businesses as possible see the value of being a partner for Tall Ships Races Kristiansand. This is a unique opportunity to show their presence and commitment to our city and region," she emphasizes.

When asked what visitors to the Tall Ships Races can expect, Tronstad replies:

- "It will be the most inclusive festival ever, and we will ensure that the entire event area is exciting, attractive and universally designed. We will have a wide range of activities on the stage and around the area, and there will be something for everyone - from those with prams to seniors. This year, we're putting extra emphasis on creating a local profile for the cultural program. We're also trying to involve neighboring municipalities to showcase the region's cultural heritage.

And of course we've booked good weather. Together with the Port of Kristiansand, we're delighted to be able to open up Lagmannsholmen to the public again. It hasn't been accessible since the last Tall Ships Races.

On July 30, there is only one year left until the race starts and we can all once again say: Hello sailor!

The Tall Ships Races is first and foremost a regatta and an event that focuses on young people. Kristiansand will be the host port for the third time when the ships arrive in 2025, and the city is the penultimate of five host ports on the route.
The festival takes place from Wednesday, July 30 to Saturday, August 2.

The foundation behind the Tall Ships Races is Sail Training International. They want to give young people experiences that will affect them for life. Here they get to challenge themselves, forge international ties and grow as individuals.

Being a crew member on board the sailing ships is not just for experienced sailors.At least half of the crew on each sailing ship must be young people between the ages of 15 and 25. These young and perhaps inexperienced sailors, known as co-sailors or trainees, are the heart and soul of the Tall Ships Races.