Tall Ships Sail Back Into Belfast

Belfast is to act as the starting point for The Tall Ships Races - an annual race series organised by Sail Training International - in just under three years' time.

Fresh from the global success of the MTV EMA awards the ships arrival will further underline Belfast's position as a destination of choice

The hugely popular event last visited Belfast in August 2009, when it attracted 800,000 visitors in just four days.

A further 250,000 people lined the shores of Belfast Lough to watch the 40 ships depart the city, leaving behind them a benefit of an estimated £16m to the local economy.

It is one of the quickest times the event has returned to a host city.

The Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Niall Ó Donnghaile, said: "The return of The Tall Ships Races is yet another very real endorsement of Belfast's ability - our now globally recognized 'can do' ability - to deliver world class events, and once again contributes to our reputation internationally, as well as adding to our value as a tourism destination and helping our citizens take real pride in what Belfast can offer both to locals and visitors alike.

"Of course, there is a lot happening between now and [The Tall Ships] in 2015.

"Next year, we have the opening of Titanic Belfast, and a year of events and celebrations, including the return of MTV for yet another massive open air concert, and the visit of the Olympic Flame.

"And then the eyes of the world will be on us again when the World Police and Fire Games come here in 2013: this will be the largest sporting events ever hosted here, with competitors from more than 70 countries converging on Belfast - a tourism coup we will be sure to make the most of.

"These high profile events are important enough in their own right: but, it is what they can do for our city, and our people, which are of the utmost importance.

"Most exciting of all is that there is a real unity of purpose across the city in the aftermath of MTV, with organizations, businesses and the people of the city all pulling in the one direction to make the city a success," he added.

"This is just the beginning of the journey, not the final destination. We are now turning Belfast's moment into an unstoppable momentum," concluded the Mayor.

Commenting on why Belfast once again has been chosen as a host port, Sail Training International's Head of Race Directorate, Paul Bishop, said: "Belfast previously hosted The Tall Ships Races in 1991 and 2009 and the city, port authority and council events team have built up an excellent reputation for looking after sail training Tall Ships and their trainees during these events.

"They also run a regional annual sail training programme which is at the heart of Sail Training International's objectives: the development and education of young people through the adventure of being at sea."

Rallying Call

In other sporting news, the Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally will next year take its place on the Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) series.

Broadcast across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas by Eurosport, the IRC series last year boasted a global viewing audience of 79 million and affirms the Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland's arrival once again on a worldwide sporting stage.

The 13 round IRC series will travel Europe with the Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally being the only UK or Irish round on the calendar, which will be hosted in its traditional Easter slot 6/7 April 2012.

The IRC is the third most popular motorsport series on the planet after Formula 1 and the World Rally Championship (WRC), with thousands expected to flock to these shores to watch the thrilling action boosting tourism further in the Titanic anniversary year.

A jubilant Bobby Willis, Event Director of the Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally said: "We've done it! When we took over the running of the Rally in 2010 we stated that we wanted to re-awaken the sleeping giant that is the Circuit of Ireland and this announcement is the realisation of that vision."

Precise details surrounding the Rally will be launched in the next few weeks, but Willis has promised another super special stage in a new host city, which is sure to showcase the skills of the IRC and Circuit of Ireland competitors.

(BMcC/GK)