Local history

In 1953, an idea was mooted which would bring together young sailing cadets from around the world.

The idea was put forward by retired London solicitor Bernard Morgan, who believed that a one-off Tall Ships race would be a fitting way to mark the end of the sailing era.

The suggestion won support, and so it was that in July 1956, 20 vessels lined up off Torbay for the start of the inaugural Tall Ships Race to Lisbon, Portugal.

The view from the bow of one of the ships

On board the sail training ships were crews made up of a mixture of cadets and seamen under training.

The race was split into two classes - one for vessels over 100 tons, and one for those under 100 tons.

Ships from 10 countries took part, and a British vessel, Moyana, won the overall race.

However, disaster and bad weather struck when she was on her way back to the UK, and she broke up in a storm. Thankfully, all 23 people on board were safely rescued.

What was intended as a one-off event received so much international publicity, that Sail Training International - set up to run the race - decided to do it again...and again.

Around 70 ships are taking part in 2006

Which is why are are here, half a century on, celebrating the 50th Anniversary of that first Tall Ships Race.

The Tall Ships races are held in European waters ever summer, and the 2006 event fittingly recreates the inaugural Torbay to Lisbon route.

The race starts off Torbay at 3pm on 10th July, with the ships reaching Lisbon some 10 days later.

Just as in 1956, the event will be attended by race Patron, HRH the Duke of Edinburgh, who will signal the start of the race.

As well as prizes for class winners, there is also a Friendship Trophy for the vessel which has done the most - as judged by the race fleet - to help further international understanding.

You can find out more about this year's event by reading our feature which is linked from this page.