About the races THE Cutty Sark Tall Ships' Races are one of the world's most spectacular sights, bringing the most magnificent sailing vessels together in one fleet. They are organised twice a year by the International Sail Training Association (ISTA), and involve participants from many countries. A new course is charted each year for the crews, who are lured by the spirit of adventure and the chance to push themselves to the limits. The aim of the races is to foster international friendship and understanding and to allow young people of all nations to race together under sail at sea. ISTA rules mean that at least half the young people on board each ship are aged between 15 and 25 years. The races are sponsored by Cutty Sark Scots Whisky. The principal award at the end of each race series is the Cutty Sark Trophy, a silver model of the famous Scottish clipper. It is awarded not to the fastest ship but to the one which has done the most to foster international friendship. The winner is decided by the captains and crews of all the participating tall ships. What is a tall ship? As long as a sailing ship has a waterline length of 30 feet or more it is classed as a tall ship and can enter the races. Rigs of all kinds are seen in the fleet, from square riggers, barques and barquentines to schooners, sloops and cutters. Where did it all start? A London solicitor Bernard Morgan decided in 1955 to bring together the last of the great square-rigged ships. With the support of Earl Mountbatten and influential people in the sailing world a committee was formed. The result was the first race in 1956 , from Torbay, in Devon, to Lisbon, Portugal. The press coined the phrase "Tall Ships' Race" and it stuck. The Sail Training Association was formed and races have been held ever since.

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