The Tall Ships fleet continue to cross the finish line of Race 1 of the Tall Ships Races 2017 and have begun the final journey to Kotka, Finland…
Here’s what Race Director, Mike Bowles, had to say on the fleet’s progress.
“We expect the majority of the Tall Ships fleet to cross the finish line of Race 1 today, with the race leaders having already crossed in the last 48 hrs, although some of the tailenders may end up crossing the finish line tomorrow.
“Although the wind conditions have proved somewhat challenging throughout the course of the race, the fleet will still have ample time to make their way along the final 100 or so miles between the race finish line and Kotka before Thursday’s deadline.”
Race Director, Mike Bowles, Sail Training International
LATEST STANDING ON CORRECTED TIME (HANDICAP):
CLASS A
- Royalist (UK)
- Sorlandet (Norway)
- Santa Maria Manuela (Portugal)
CLASS B
- Kapitan Borchardt (Poland)
- Astrid (Finland)
- Vega Gamleby (Sweden)
CLASS C
CLASS D
Note: Positions and placings are correct at time of writing. Check out YB Satellite Tracking for the latest information.
Before and after an adventure under sail
During the celebrations in Halmstad, Sweden, trainees who had sailed into port with participating vessels gave us an insight into their experiences at sea.
Name
Hubert Sdanowski
Age
18
Ship
Pogoria (Poland)
Why did you apply?
To experience adventure, meet new friends and know how it feels to be on a ship in the middle of the ocean.
What was your favourite part of the adventure?
My favourite part of the adventure was learning about how to pilot the ship, tie knots, sightseeing in the Netherlands and Halmstad, and climbing the mast!
What would you say to someone thinking of taking part in sail training?
To be patient, strong and calm for the first few days and after that it will be great. It is the adventure of a lifetime and the memories will last forever and be unforgettable!
Name
Marta Zdanowiz
Age
18
Ship
Pogoria (Poland)
Why did you apply?
I didn’t think it would even be possible to take part in such a wonderful experience. When I found out I could, I applied to test myself, gain new experiences, meet new people and see the beauty of the world.
What was your least favourite part of the adventure?
Sea sickness was the most terrible thing, but it only lasted a few days and then I was fine. After that I felt fantastic and enjoyed the whole adventure, I did not want to come home!
What was the most valuable lesson you learned on board?
I learned that working together and hard work was the key to success, and being humble in asking for people’s advice and tips. Safety was fundamental to all things and taught me that discipline can actually be a good thing.
Even though it was only a short time on board, this experience can change your whole outlook on life.
FOLLOW THE FLEET WITH YB SATELLITE TRACKING
The adventure has only just begun… for trainees and for everyone following the race at home. Each ship is fitted with a YB satellite transponder – a self-contained battery operated tracker which allows you to track a vessel’s position from anywhere on earth.
Using YB Satellite Tracking, you’ll be able to follow the Tall Ships Races 2017 as it makes its way from Halmstad, Swedend, to Kotka, Finland… and in every race toward the end of the event in Szczecin, Poland. You can stay up to date with the latest tactics and race placings… and with our regular race reports, you won’t miss a thing!
Check out our YB Satellite Tracking page to follow the fleet (including instructions and more information). You can also download the YB app for your phone and tablet from the App Store and Google Play Store, which gives you everything from the web version on the go.
Don’t forget you can catch up with action from the Tall Ships fleet over the weekend with Race Reports 3 and 4 on the Sail Training International Facebook page.
ABOUT THE TALL SHIPS RACES 2017
Taking part in The Tall Ships Races 2017 is fun – lots of fun. You can take part too – zero experience necessary. Places are available on ships across the fleet on all race legs. Just do it ?
Halmstad, Sweden 30 June – 3 July
RACE 1
Kotka, Finland 13 July – 16 July
CRUISE-IN-COMPANY
Turku, Finland 20 July – 1 August
RACE 2
Klaipeda, Lithuania 29 July – 1 August
RACE 3
Szczecin, Poland 5 August – 8 August
All five host ports are experienced and boast a total of 11 Tall Ships Races and Regattas between them. Take a look at each of the race pages to see which vessels are taking part. Many are still looking for trainee crew to join them; simply pick a vessel and go their website to book your place. Or email enquiries@sailonboard.com and our helpful team will do all the hard work and help you find the perfect ship for you!
Follow the event on the Sail Training International Facebook page where we will be post photos and videos throughout the event.
Photos: Leila (UK) taking part in Race 1 of the Tall Ships Races 2017. (Courtesy of Richard Sibley)