International Tall Ship Festival

This year, more than 20 tall ships from around the world will gather in Australia for the International Tall Ship Festival and Sydney Auckland Tall Ship Regatta -- the first event of its kind in Australasia.

Over 1,500 places are now available for members of the public to join a tall ship for ocean passages and coastal voyages to Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Hobart, Sydney and Auckland.

Voyages are open to people of all ages and backgrounds, and no sailing experience is required. During each voyage a professional crew will explain and teach you everything you need to know about navigation, sail handling and square-rig sailing. Participants will be able to explore the Australian coastline, meet people from around the world and gain a unique insight into our maritime history.

Rarely do tall ships from the northern hemisphere visit Australia, and most of the vessels sailing to Australia are undertaking world voyages. As they sail the seven seas they will visit Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Antarctica and the Americas. The first vessels will arrive at Fremantle in July, and will spend several months exploring the spectacular Western Australian, Victorian, Tasmanian and New South Wales coasts.

Mr Stephen Moss CSC, President of the Australian Sail Training Association said: "We are delighted to be able to host the largest gathering of tall ships in Australia and New Zealand for a generation. This event will help to establish a vision of sail training within Australia and convey the excitement, challenge and romance of tall ship sailing to millions of young Australians."

The  three-month Festival program will see tall ships celebrating with Parades of Sail, street parades and festivals in several cities, including the International Fleet Review --  celebrating 100 years since the first entry of the Royal Australian Navy’s Fleet into Sydney Harbour.

For more information on how to join a voyage or where to see the Tall Ships in Australia, visit www.tallshipfestival2013.com.