The historic port city of Aberdeen recently reclaimed its maritime glory, hosting the spectacular Tall Ships Races festival from July 19th to 22nd, 2025. For the first time in nearly three decades, the granite city’s harbour was transformed into a forest of masts, drawing visitors from across the globe. Among them was a Nigerian woman, Pharm G, who has since shared her captivating experience of the event, offering a unique perspective on both the festival and the city itself.
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The Tall Ships Races are a major international competition of majestic sailing vessels. The 2025 race series began in Le Havre, France, with Aberdeen serving as the second host port. The fleet of nearly 50 ships, hailing from nations as diverse as Peru, Uruguay, Poland, France, the UK, and Nigeria, then continued on to Kristiansand, Norway, with the final leg ending in Esbjerg, Denmark.
For Pharm G, the festival was a journey of firsts and fascinating discoveries. In a video detailing her experience, she expressed her delight at the unique opportunity.
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“It’s really interesting; this was my first time entering a ship,” she said. “I got to see inside the cabin, chat with the cabin crew, and got some street food with good music all around. The best part was making new friends and learning about these ships and new cultures.”
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Her experience highlights the festival’s core mission: not just a race, but a cultural exchange and a chance to connect people with the sea-faring heritage of a bygone era.
Beyond the festival, Pharm G’s account shone a light on the modern city of Aberdeen itself. Once known primarily as Europe’s largest oil-producing region and a commercial hub, the city is now successfully diversifying into renewable energy while maintaining its significant role in import and export. Its vast port facilitates trade in everything from electronics and machinery to food items and automobiles, with numerous car stands serving dealers from across the UK.
But what truly stood out for Pharm G was the city’s liveability and welcoming atmosphere. She listed several compelling reasons to love Aberdeen:
- Scenic Beauty & Activities: A lovely beachfront offering a variety of activities.
- Welcoming Community: A strong sense of hospitality and warmth among the people, with minimal racism.
- Accessible Healthcare: Free healthcare services and free access to non-prescription medications.
- Affordability: More affordable housing and transportation costs compared to other parts of Scotland and the UK.
- Generous Concessions: Free transportation for children under 21 and adults over 60.
- Low Cost of Living: Cheap cost of living and food items relative to the wider UK.
Pharm G’s story is more than a travel log; it’s an invitation. It captures the magic of a world-class event set against the backdrop of a resilient, forward-looking, and surprisingly affordable city. From the deck of a historic tall ship to the friendly streets of Aberdeen, her experience begs the question: will you be adding Aberdeen to your travel list?
