Today (Tuesday 6 September), the fleet said farewell to cultured and lively Gothenburg – the final port of the North Sea Tall Ships Regatta 2016 – in a spectacular Parade of Sail. The international Tall and Small Ships left the port for new adventures around the world, following a hugely successful event in Frihamnen.
The North Sea Tall Ships Regatta 2016 took place over 606 nautical miles across the North Sea, from Blyth, UK, to Gothenburg, Sweden. The fleet welcomed over 1000 crews and trainees on board, for an adventure under sail that they won’t forget in a hurry. We’re pleased to report that the event in Gothenburg has been a resounding success, with more than 80,000 visitors enjoying the sights and sounds over the weekend.
Parade of Sail
At 15:30 this afternoon, visitors lined Frihamnen as the magnificent fleet left for the Parade of Sail, along the Skandiahamnen and the South Channel (Böttöleden). Visitors lined vantage points along the river and watched the fleet as it motored in procession out of the port. Once clear of the ferries, vessels were free to unfurl their sails and reveal their splendour.
The ships then said a final farewell as they dispersed at Rivöfjorden… before sailing on to their next adventure. And you could have been sailing with them!
New Adventures: What’s Next for the International Fleet
Throughout the North Sea Tall Ships Regatta 2016, we’ve enjoyed following the fleet’s progress using YB satellite tracking. YB is no longer active for this race as the fleet sets sail for new adventures around the world, but don’t worry… the excitement isn’t over yet. We’re already looking forward to the next event: the SCF Black Sea Tall Ships Regatta 2016, which starts this coming weekend.
In the Black Sea, we’ll meet a whole new fleet of Tall and Small Ships, ready to take part in this four port and three race event for the second time visiting Constanta in Romania, Novorossiysk and Sochi in Russia and Varna in Bulgaria. Find out more on our event page.
Behind the Sails: Catching Up With Trainees On Board
In Blyth, UK, the first port of the North Sea Tall Ships Regatta 2016, we chatted with trainees before they set sail. We asked them what they were looking forward to and whether they were ready for the challenge of navigating the challenging waters of the North Sea.
Over the last few days in Gothenburg, Sweden, we caught up with these trainees to find out whether they enjoyed their adventure under sail, and what lessons they learned on board.
This is what they told us…
Frida Josefsson, 23, Vega Gamleby
Before
How do you feel about the challenge of sailing? “It’s good to do stuff you’re not comfortable with.”
What are you most looking forward to? “Meeting new people and learning how different countries compare. I want to learn about different cultures.”
After
So, how was the journey? “I have learned so much about sailing and other cultures. It has been very interesting and I would love to go on another voyage next year.”
What was your favourite part of the adventure? “When we saw the dolphins in the water at night. And the Crew Parade in Blyth because we won and had so much fun. Everything was fun.”
What was your least favourite part of the adventure? “Now. When it’s ending and people are starting to leave the boat. Some of them you’ll never see again.”
What was the most valuable lesson you learned on board? “To realise that it’s fun to sail and that I will do it again.”
What would you say to someone thinking of taking part in sail training? “Just go for it!”
Tilde Olausson, 18, Vega Gamleby
After
So, how was the journey? “It was amazing! And also nothing like what I had expected. Living super close to people that at first were complete strangers, no shower for FIVE DAYS on our way across the North Sea, the exhaustion due to little sleep and many fun things.”
What was your favourite part of the adventure? “Mainly the friendships that I’ve made and all the fun things I’ve done together with the crew. And also living so close to the sea – that’s been fantastic.”
What was your least favourite part of the adventure? “Definitely the seasickness I experienced the first few days. That made the beginning a bit rough, but when it went away, everything became so much more fun.”
What was the most valuable lesson you learned on board the vessel? “I think something related to all the friends I’ve made. We all live in quite different parts of the world, are different ages, and are very different in some ways. And we’ve all become friends and had lots of fun together. Even though that situation wasn’t completely comfortable for me in the beginning.”
What would you say to someone thinking of taking part in sail training? “Do it. It will be a completely new experience. Maybe not 100 percent joyful all the time but definitely worth it!”
Julia Axelsson, 19, Christian Radich
Before
Why did you apply? “I wanted to try something new and go beyond my comfort zone. I have always liked to sail.”
How do you feel about the challenge of sailing? “Afraid to be seasick and that the weather would be very bad. I was stoked – it felt very fun and exciting.”
What are you most looking forward to? “Starlit sky, wind in the sails, meeting new people, and steering the boat.”
After
So, how was the journey? “Wonderful. We were very lucky with the weather and we got a good placing during the race.”
What was your favourite part of the adventure? “To begin the watch in the middle of the night (00:00 to 04:00) and see the ocean, other ships and the stars. It was both super scary and really cool to climb the mast.”
What was the most valuable lesson you learned on board the vessel? “You can manage without internet on your phone. You appreciate nature much more and you get to test your boundaries.”
What would you say to someone thinking of taking part in sail training? “Do it!”
If you’re interested in taking part in a Sail Training adventure, visit www.sailonboard.com. We’ve got a great section that helps you Find Your Adventure. Simply decide what sort of adventure you’d like to have, when, and where… and we’ll do all the hard work for you. We’ll show you the vessels taking part in upcoming Races and Regattas during your chosen year and in your preferred country. Then the rest is up to you: contact a vessel to book your place and let the adventures begin…
Still not sure? Check out our blogs for the latest from our events.
You can also check out our latest photos on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Photo: Shtandart during the Parade of Sail in Gothenburg.