There were stunning scenes in the Baltic Sea on Monday (24 July) as the Tall Ships Races 2017 fleet started Race 2 from Turku, Finland to Klaipeda, Lithuania in spectacular style.
The start of Race 2 took place 60 nautical miles south of Turku, ten miles south of the island of Utö, after the fleet sailed through the Turku Archipelago overnight following yesterday afternoon’s Parade of Sail.
Race Director for the Tall Ships Races 2017 , Mike Bowles, said:
“There was a magnificent spectacle of 19 Class A ships starting the race, believed to be the largest assembled Class A start for many years.
“The weather was beautiful this afternoon but as we approached the time for the start of the Class A fleet there was barely 5-6kts of wind which made for some skillful handling of ships. Just before the start the breeze came up slightly and the ships started to move more freely.
“By the time the Class B, C and D starts came, the wind had freshened slightly more to 12-14kts. This caught a few captains by surprise and three vessels crossed start lines early and had to pay the appropriate penalties.
“We look forward to a keenly competed race to Klaipeda, Lithuania where the fleet is due to arrive on Saturday.”
In Class A, Shtandart (Russia) was the first to cross the line in the 20-minute start window from 14:00 local (11:00 UTC), closely followed by Roald Amundsen (Germany) and Morgenster (Netherlands). For these larger vessels, elapsed time is taken from when they cross the start line within the allocated window.
In Class B the beautifully restored Malcolm Miller (UK) was first over the line followed by Rupel(Belgium) and Ingrid (Finland).
In Class C Tesia (Poland) led over the line with Wodnik II (Poland) second and Esprit (Germany) third.
In Class D Forward (Russia) was true to her name by being first across the line followed by Variag (Russia) in second and Theia (Finland) in third.
For those following Race 2 as it unfolds, we are aware that there are currently issues with a number of the YB Satellite Tracking units, the vessels reported positions and rankings. We are working to resolve this situation as soon as possible.
As they head towards Klaipeda, crew members across the fleet are still reflecting on their memorable departure from Turku yesterday. Kasper Kagenaar, who is sailing on board HNLMS Urania (Netherlands), writes in the vessel’s latest blog:
“I will never forget how impressive it was to stand on deck and see all the ships and people cheering us out. My arm got sore from all the waving. After leaving the River Aura in Turku we reached a beautiful area with many islands and the flotilla of hundreds of smaller vessels, which joined us for the sail out. This was an awesome sight to remember and cherish!”
About the Tall Ships Races 2017
The Tall Ships Races 2017 is taking place in four different countries and five ports, with three exciting race legs across the Baltic Sea and a spectacular Cruise-in-Company. The event has attracted an incredible fleet of more than 100 vessels, and participation from an awesome number of trainees from around the world. There are trainee places available on each of the race legs and the Cruise-in-Company – book your place directly with a participating vessel.
Follow the Fleet
Watch the action as it happens and follow the fleet’s progress using YB Satellite Tracking.
What’s Next?
Want to get involved with the Tall Ships Races 2017? There are still berths available – secure your place today! Check out our event page for more information. Book your place directly with a participating vessel.
Photo: The start of Race 2 of the Tall Ships Races 2017 from Turku, Finland to Klaipeda, Lithuania.