"Tall
ship" is an informal sailing classification
of traditionally rigged vessels. The modern tern "tall
ship" is applied to topsail schooners, brigantines,
brigs and barques. The term has come to popularity
starting with the first Cutty Sark Tall Ships'
Races in 1956. The annual European races cover
thousands of nautical miles.
Since
2001, the American Sail Training Association has
brought Tall Ship's racing to America. Like the
European races, the ASTA Tall Ships Challenge,
showcases ships from around the world in friendly
competition as well as staging events in host ports
that allow locals and tourists to learn about tall
ships, other sail boats, and sailing in general.
As
part of the "tall ship" classification,
the crews are non-professional sailors mostly between
the ages of 16 and 25 years old. These tall ship
cadets are usually members of a sail training program
and use the competition as a hands-on learning
center.
