Aberdeen has been recognised for contributions towards young people in sail training following the Tall Ships Races in July 2025.
The Host Port Trophy was awarded to the port that made it possible for the greatest number of young people to participate in the Tall Ships Races, with 244 joining as sail trainees from the north east through funding and trainee marketing schemes.
The award was presented during The Sail Training International Annual Awards at the Sail Training International Conference in Bordeaux, France on 24 January.
Councillor Martin Greig, Chair of the Tall Ships Aberdeen Local Organising Committee said: “I am delighted to see our young people continue to be recognised for their hard-work and outstanding achievements during the Tall Ships Races.
“It is a joy to see the young people gained so much benefit from the experiences. I am grateful to everyone who supported the trainees with a great deal of enthusiasm and commitment. The award reflects the exceptional teamwork and spirit of community that made the Tall Ships a huge success for all in the city."
The Host Port Partners of Tall Ships Aberdeen 2025 also congratulated the award win.
Bob Sanguinetti DL, Chief Executive, Port of Aberdeen, said: “While we faced stiff competition from the other host ports, this award recognises the incredible effort from ‘Team Aberdeen’ to deliver this once in a generation event. We are immensely proud to have supported this initiative which enabled so many young people from our region to experience the transformative power of sail training. We look forward to building a Tall Ships legacy with our partners and supporting more local young people to take part in future Races.”
Adrian Watson, Chief Executive, Aberdeen Inspired, said: “It is truly humbling for The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen to win this prestigious award in particular.
“There is no doubt about the enormous impact this spectacular event had on the city and the wider region in terms of the massive boost for the local economy and its lasting legacy of a re-energised Aberdeen. But at heart, the Tall Ships Races is all about the young people who were given – and seized – the opportunity to take part in a life-changing experience that they will cherish for all their days. That is what makes this award so special.”
The Tall Ships Races 2025 saw young people from across the north east become sail trainees and join the crew of a vessel during a leg of the race, the largest amount of sail trainees from a host part in 2025.
This latest award follows Aberdeen winning the Sultan Qaboos Sailing Trophy in Muscat, Oman in December 2025 for outstanding services to young people in sail training.
Aberdeen welcomed the Tall Ships Races from 19 to 22 July, attracting more than 500,000 visits to the event and generating more than £30million for the regional economy during the four day celebration.
The Races saw 50 vessels visit the city, as well as a packed programme of events, from the sell-out Quayside Concerts series, to Curated on the Quayside, the city centre crew parade, and a display from the Red Arrows.