The Tall Ships’ Races fleet started to arrive in Bergen today bringing out huge crowds. Warm sunny weather welcomed the fleet as they arrived throughout the day, each vessel greeted with a gun salute and national anthem as they arrived in port.

Overnight the waterfront of Bergen was transformed with the road in front of the Bryggen closed to traffic and a village of tents appearing from where visitors will be able to buy food, drinks, souvenir magazines, official clothing and Norwegian souvenirs. A stage was also erected on which folk songs and shanties were sung all day.
As the fleet arrived so the waterfront changed with the vessels bringing colour and activity with their flags and penants and excited crew members.

Many of the crews had changed vessels for the cruise in company in an informal cultural exchange. Amongst others, two Russian cadets from Mir and a French officer from Etoile joined Shabab Oman and experienced an unforgetable trip up to a glaciere as well as the chance to enjoy Omani hospitality, something they will never forget.

Vessels will continue to arrive throughout the night with all of them due in port by midday tomorrow. At 1900 hours tomorrow the opening ceremony will take place with a grand firework display taking place later in the evening.

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