Today (Thursday 20 July) the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta in Quebec, Canada celebrated adventures at sea and friendship.
Following yesterday’s exciting and high profile opening by Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, the fleet attracted thousands of visitors who were eager to climb on board the ships and meet their crews.
The fun then started when thirty eight ships from Canada, Chile, Cook Islands, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Latvia, Netherlands, USA, UK, Spain, Vanuatu, and their international crew members, paraded through the beautiful streets of Old Quebec in a powerful and united display of international friendship.
The highlight of the afternoon was the high adrenaline Crew Prize Giving ceremony in the centre of the event area. Fun prizes, race prizes and more were awarded to the crews or all their hard earned racing and sail training efforts.
QUEBEC AWARDS
Most Dynamic Crew: Atyla (Vanuatu) Presented by Mayor Regis Labeaume, Quebec City
Most Smiley Captain: Ariane Tessier-Moreau, Roter Sand (Canada).Presented by City of Lévis.
Inspiring Youth: Catheryne Langford. Presented by Canadian Government
Top Crew: Bowdoin (USA) (awarded for their energy and co-operation) Presented by Government of Quebec
Special prize: Jolie Brise (UK) Presented by Rendez-vous Naval de Quebec
SAIL TRAINING INTERNATIONAL AWARDS
Best Dressed in the Crew Parade – B/C/D: Black Jack (Canada)
Best Dressed in the Crew Parade – A: Oosterschelde (Netherlands)
Race Communication Award: Europa (Netherlands)
Youngest Crew with average age of 20.7 years: Geronimo (USA)
Most International Crew: Europa (Netherlands) with 13 nationalities
Race Four: Boston to Gulf of St Lawrence
Third in Class C/D on Corrected Time: Spaniel (Latvia)
Third in Class B on Corrected Time: Spirit of South Carolina (USA)
Third in Class A on Corrected Time: Oosterschelde (Netherlands)
Second in Class C/D on Corrected Time: Rona II (UK)
Second in Class B on Corrected Time: Jolie Brise (UK)
Second in Class A on Corrected Time: Eagle (USA)
First in Class C/D on Corrected Time: Spirit of South Carolina (USA)
First in Class B on Corrected Time: Blue Clipper (UK)
First in Class A on Corrected Time: BAP Union (Peru)
Line Honours: BAP Union (Peru) (450 nautical miles of racing 1 days, 19 hours, 12 minutes 58 seconds)
WHAT THE WYLDE SWAN CREW TOLD US ….
Many of the trainee crew in Quebec had never sailed before, but had all been enjoying the stunning scenery of the Canadian guest ports. We asked a few who had sailed on Wylde Swan to share their Tall Ship experiences.
“I had never sailed before and didn’t know what to expect so decided to just let myself be surprised by the whole adventure. I wasn’t looking forward to being away from my family, the comfort of home and the language barrier. But on board everyone was really nice and welcoming and they made me feel like I was part of their family. I learnt not to let the language barrier, or any other barrier stop me from going forward and I learnt the importance of settling into the ships routine and enjoying living in the moment. You just have to jump into an adventure like this with two feet, keep your head up and be positive.”
Gina, Wylde Swan
“Sailing on Tall Ships is the experience of a lifetime. I love festivals. I love tail ships. I love sailing. It’s super cool, physical and intellectual at the same time. I love to go fast and to push a boat to its limits. I found out that even if you push yourself until you become sea sick, it’s necessary to live life to the fullest and to have fun. Quebec is a great city. I must say that I am really happy and I am having a lot of fun here!”
Samuel, Wylde Swan
“I had never sailed before but it was suggested to me at school and I said yes because I wanted to have a new adventure and experience new things. I’ve never done anything like this before and I was a bit nervous at first – I didn’t know anybody and I wondered how I would adapt and settle in. But – I loved it – there was a lot of rope pulling and I love doing physical and dynamic activities. We ate really well, the crew was really open minded and cool and it was a very comfortable ship. I didn’t speak a lot of English so that was difficult but it did encourage me to make a bigger effort and practice my English speaking skills and it improved. Overall, it was a great opportunity and a lot of fun.”
Caroline, Wylde Swan
See images from the event on our Facebook page here.
Photos: Crew parade, Quebec, Canada – Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta (banner and feature image) Valery Vasilevskiy