Albyn School adopts iconic ‘Belem’ for Tall Ships Races 2025

Photo credit: Sail Training International 

This partnership is a natural fit for the school, which proudly hosts the Aberdeen French School, reflecting Albyn’s strong ties to French language and culture.

The adoption forms part of the wider Tall Ships Races initiative, which encourages schools and community groups to ‘adopt’ visiting vessels. This helps foster international friendships, educational opportunities, and a sense of shared heritage. For Albyn Lower School pupils the adoption of Belem gave them the chance to learn about Belem and maritime history over the last few weeks of term, including the ship’s history and engaging with the crew.

Built in 1896, Belem is a 3-masted barque and is now over 120 years old. She started life as a cargo ship, ferrying goods across the Atlantic before becoming a private yacht for Hugh Grosvenor, 2nd Duke of Westminster, and even sailing the seven seas under the ownership of beer baron Sir Arthur Ernest Guinness. Nowadays the Belem functions as a sail training ship.

“We are incredibly proud to be part of this prestigious event and to adopt Belem. With our strong French connections through the Aberdeen French School, it felt like the perfect match. We hope our pupils and the wider community will embrace this opportunity to engage with history and celebrate international friendship,”  commented Nathan Davies, Head of Lower School.

If you’re heading to the Tall Ship Races this weekend be sure to stop by Belem, snap a photo, meet the crew and experience a piece of living maritime history.

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