Gordonstoun students are taking part in this year's Tall Ships Races – as one of only two UK schools taking part in the world-famous event. 

Two crews are sailing Gordonstoun's 80ft long Ocean Spirt of Moray yacht, along with 49 other vessels, on the month-long journey through the English Channel and North Sea. The challenging route begins in Le Havre, France, and will eventually finish in Esberg, Denmark. For the first time since 1997, the race will stop at Aberdeen, with organisers predicting the four-day stop will be the biggest tourist event in Scotland this year. 

Twelve Gordonstoun students - aged between 14 and 18 years - are taking part in the race. The event is a major endurance challenge, with every student being part of a 24-hour "watch system" on the vessel to ensure the Ocean Spirit continues sailing night and day. 

The first crew took part in the first half of the race from Le Havre sailing via Dunkirk and will arrive in Aberdeen on 19 July. The second crew will then sail from the Granite City via Kristiansand before arriving in Denmark on 6 August. The races are designed to encourage international friendship and training for young people in the art of sailing. 

Robin Baker, Sail Training Operations & Training Manager at Gordonstoun, said: "It's a hugely challenging race. For each leg we don't stop until we reach the finish, sailing during the day and overnight. 

"Ocean Spirit of Moray will be alongside vessels from as far as Uruguay and Oman. It will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the students." 

Student William A, 17, said: 'I am hugely appreciative of the school for providing me with the opportunity to represent Gordonstoun and compete in the Tall Ships this year. When I joined the school in September, I never would have thought that I would have this experience over the summer holidays. I am looking forward to the skills, friendships, and experiences that I will gain along the way." 

Aberdeen previously hosted the prestigious event in 1991 and 1997. Greenock and Lerwick are among other towns to have featured in the event's history, which dates back to the 1970s.