Rouen, France is getting ready for its every-four-years gathering of the world’s biggest sailing ships under the title Rouen Armada. The event, which draws as many as 6 million visitors, will be held from June 8 to 18 along the city’s piers.
Some 50 ‘tall ships’ from all over the world will be open for visits and evening events, as well as a sailors’ parade and a ‘boat’ race. Concerts, fireworks and street performances are also scheduled. Visits to the ships are free of charge. As many as 7,000 crewmen from the ships will be on hand.
Rouen is anticipating a significant impact, including an expected €50 million economic boost for the Normandy region. This year’s version is also designed for environmental impact, with plans to keep the event to a pledge of no non-recycled waste and no plastic pollution.