This year may be the Diamond Anniversary of The Tall Ships Races, but there are many more celebrations and personal challenges going on across the races this year for vessels and crew members.
Lord Nelson (UK), Class A
This barque-rigged vessel is one of only two tall ships in the world designed and operated to be sailed by people of all physical abilities (the other is Lord Nelson’s sister vessel with the Jubilee Sailing Trust,Tenacious). We are delighted to have her back for the festivities this anniversary year. The specific design of the vessel means trainees and sailors of all ability are welcome, an ethos at the heart of Sail Training International.
Rupel (Belgium), Class B
This gaff schooner-rigged vessel is celebrating her 20th birthday and taking part in all legs of the Tall Ships Races 2016. She was built over the course of five years by long-term unemployed people from areas surrounding the River Rupel as part of a social project aimed at helping those in need.
Both her build and employment bear witness to the benefits that can be found within the world of sail training and it is a privilege to have her at the races. Her home leg start was capped off perfectly with her crew winning Antwerp’s Harbor Challenge.
The Tall Ships Races 2016 will visit four ports racing from Antwerp to Lisbon, Portugal; Lisbon to Cádiz, Spain and then finally racing and cruising in company to the A Coruña, Spain.
You can also follow the fleet’s progress via YB Tracking.
See here for more information.