Aberdeen has been awarded the most prestigious international trophy in sail training following the success of July’s Tall Ships Races.
Established in 2011, the Sultan Qaboos Sailing Trophy is awarded each year by Sail Training International on behalf of the Royal Navy of Oman to an individual, vessel operator or sail training organisation for outstanding services to young people in sail training. This is the first time that the trophy has been awarded to a host port.
James George, Chair of Trustees at Sail Training International, said: “To our friends and colleagues from Aberdeen – you set a new benchmark. Your work changed lives. You honoured the values of His late Majesty Sultan Qaboos. And you reminded all of us what sail training is truly all about.”
The award was presented on 4th December in Muscat, Oman by His Highness Sayyid Harib Bin Thuwaini Al Said, during an exciting evening of cultural exchange and celebration of Oman’s international sailing heritage and support for youth sail training.
Councillor Martin Greig, Chair of the Tall Ships Races Aberdeen Local Organising Committee, said: “The enthusiasm shown by our young people in the lead-up to and during the Tall Ships Races was outstanding.
“Each of the sail trainees should be incredibly proud of their achievements, and this award demonstrates the lasting legacy of the sail training programme developed by the Tall Ships Aberdeen team. Aberdeen City Council has committed to helping at least ten young people to join the Tall Ships Races in 2026, with more in the years to follow. This year Aberdeen showed great pride in its maritime heritage to guests from around the world. Thanks to the Tall Ships Races the city has a bright future in nautical skills and international fellowship for many generations to come.”
From left, James George, Chair of Trustees, Sail Training International; Blair MacAskill, Aberdeen youth sail trainee; Matthew Williams, Tall Ships Officer, Aberdeen City Council; His Highness Sayyid Harib Bin Thuwaini Al Said; and Commander of the Royal Navy of Oman, Rear Admiral Saif Nasser Al Rahbi. Image courtesy of the Royal Navy of Oman
Alongside Aberdeen City Council, the Host Port Partners of Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025 have echoed Councillor Greig’s comments,
Bob Sanguinetti DL, Chief Executive, Port of Aberdeen, said: “Winning the Sultan Qaboos Trophy is a huge honour for the Tall Ships Aberdeen team. This summer, hundreds of young people from the City and Shire sailed in the Races and experienced life at sea. For many, it will be a life-changing experience, building confidence, skills, and friendships for life. This award is testament to the two years of hard work and partnership that went into making those experiences possible.”
Adrian Watson, Chief Executive, Aberdeen Inspired, said: “For Tall Ships Aberdeen to be honoured with the Sultan Qaboos Trophy, the highest international recognition in sail training, is truly humbling for everyone involved in bringing this fantastic event to the Granite City.
“We talk often of the legacy left for Aberdeen by the Tall Ships in terms of the boost it gave our local economy and civic pride. But just as important – if not more so - is the impact the Tall Ships experience had on the 244 sail trainees from the north-east who took part as crew onboard one of these magnificent vessels.
“These young people have told of lifechanging experiences they will never forget, facing challenges that brought them new skills and a vital sense of what they are capable of. That is a lifelong legacy everyone involved the Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025 should be proud of.”
Aberdeen welcomed the Tall Ships Races from 19 to 22 July, attracting more than 400,000 visits to the event 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.