The tall ships at Alicante

The Russian vessel Mir

Following on from the spectacular America's Cup final in Valencia, the Sail Training International Tall Ships Races begins on Wednesday, 4th July. Thirty nine vessels from around the world will be participating in the event; the oldest being the Gaff rigged Schooner Isla Ebusitana built in Spain in 1856.

One of the key rules of the event is that 50 per cent of each vessel's crew must be aged between 15 and 25, many of whom will never have sailed before.

Throughout next week, all of the ships will be alongside in the harbour with many welcoming visitors on board for a visit. There will be a colourful and noisy crew parade through the streets, fireworks plus many other activities for the public.

At noon on Saturday (July 7) the ships will leave Alicante in a magnificent Parade of Sail before a 16.00 start to the race to Barcelona.