After a triumphant visit to Greenwich last summer, the Tall Ships are returning to south east London in 2017.

Over the Easter weekend from April 13 to 16, Greenwich will be the starting host port for the STI’s Rendez-vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta to Quebec in Canada.

The race will see a fleet of ships leaving Greenwich to sail across the Atlantic to the USA and on to Canada, via Portugal, Bermuda and Boston.

According to Greenwich Council, more than 1.1m people came to the area last September for a five-day Tall Ships festival, which has also been credited with boosting local businesses by around £17m.

The announcement that the ships will return follows a deal struck between Greenwich Council and Sail Training International.

Leader of Greenwich Council Councillor Denise Hyland said: "To be the host port for this international event is a huge privilege and we know we offer the ideal location - our stunning waterfront and historic maritime buildings will make a wonderful backdrop for these vessels.

"After hosting the Royal Greenwich Tall Ships Festival 2014, Royal Greenwich has proved once again that we make the perfect location for a large scale event. 

"Like the Olympics, it has cemented our reputation as a leading destination. The economic benefits of our tourism industry are clear. It creates jobs, creates spend in our local businesses, and gives us a firm footing on the global stage. I look forward to welcoming these glorious vessels back in 2017."