The Norwegian tall ship Christian Radich docked in Belfast Harbour during the 2015 Tall Ships Races, a living emblem of Norway’s maritime tradition.
Christian Radich – The Legendary Norwegian Tall Ship in Belfast Harbour
Tall Ships Races 2015
Few sailing vessels capture the romance of the sea quite like the Christian Radich, a magnificent full-rigged Norwegian tall ship that has inspired generations of sailors and captivated audiences around the world. When she graced Belfast Harbour during the Tall Ships Races 2015, her presence was a living reminder of Norway’s rich maritime heritage and the timeless elegance of traditional sailing craft.
A Masterpiece of Norwegian Shipbuilding
The Christian Radich was launched in February 1937 from the Framnæs Mekaniske Værksted shipyard in Sandefjord, Norway. Weighing 1,050 tonnes, she measures 62.5 meters (205 feet) in length—or an impressive 73 meters (240 feet) when including her bowsprit. With a beam of 9.7 meters (32 feet) and a height of 37.7 meters (124 feet), she is a breathtaking example of naval craftsmanship.
Her 27 sails cover a total area of 1,360 square meters (14,600 sq ft), allowing her to reach speeds of up to 14 knots (26 km/h) under sail, or 10 knots (19 km/h) when powered by her Caterpillar 900 HP engine. Operated by a dedicated crew of 18 and capable of hosting 88 trainees or passengers, Christian Radich continues to combine adventure, education, and maritime tradition on every voyage.
From Training Vessel to Global Icon
Built as a training ship for the Norwegian Merchant Navy, Christian Radich’s mission has always been to educate young sailors and preserve seamanship traditions. Over the decades, she has participated in numerous Tall Ships Races, symbolizing both the endurance of Norway’s maritime culture and the spirit of youth who train aboard her.
However, her fame extends far beyond the oceans. In the late 1950s, Christian Radich gained international recognition as the star vessel in the BBC television series “The Onedin Line”, where her striking silhouette became an icon of 19th-century maritime adventure. She also appeared in several documentaries and films, bringing the romance of sailing ships to a global audience.
A Living Legend at Sea
Today, Christian Radich remains active and vibrant, participating in sailing events across Europe and welcoming trainees from all over the world. When she entered Belfast Harbour in 2015 for the Tall Ships Races, thousands gathered to admire her elegant rigging and polished decks. The sight of her majestic masts rising above the waterline evoked both nostalgia and awe—an enduring testament to human craftsmanship and the lure of the open sea.
Technical Specifications
• Type: Full-rigged ship
• Tonnage: 1,050 tonnes
• Builder: Framnæs Mekaniske Værksted, Sandefjord
• Launched: February 1937
• Length: 62.5 m (205 ft)
• Length overall (incl. bowsprit): 73 m (240 ft)
• Beam: 9.7 m (32 ft)
• Height: 37.7 m (124 ft)
• Draught: 4.7 m (15 ft)
• Sail area: 1,360 m² (14,600 sq ft)
• Engine: Caterpillar 900 HP
• Speed: 14 knots under sail, 10 knots under power
• Crew: 18
• Passengers: 88
• IMO: 5071729
• Callsign: LJLM
• MMSI: 258373000
Have you been on board Christian Radich? How was your experience? Share your story in the comments below — we’d love to hear it!