As The Tall Ships’ Races 2008 draws to a close, many of the captains and crews spent the day meeting up with friends for a final get together before they go their own way. One old tradition that has been going since 1994 is for the crew of Shabab Oman (Oman) to host a lunch for the crew of Jens Krogh (Denmark) who then invite the Omani crew back to their vessel for pancakes. This tradition has become a firm favourite with both crews and is the essence of the spirit of The Tall Ships’ Races.
Meanwhile, many of the crews were on the move, with new crews arriving to take the vessels on to the next point of call. Crews that are not changing were enjoying some sports events today, including dragon boat racing and beach volley ball.
Last night the crews got together for a final crew party which was followed by a grand firework display. On board a number of the ships meanwhile, private parties were being held which are an essential way for the ships to make money while in port.
Earlier today the captains assembled for a briefing about tomorrow’s undocking and parade of sail. The undocking will get under way fairly early in order to get all the vessels out onto the Den Helder Roads before the Parade of Sail which will start at 1500 hrs.
August 22, 2008 | admin
Christian Radich (Norway) is holding onto her lead overall on corrected time although Statsraad Lehmkuhl (Norway) is making a strong come back attack and closing the gap between them. In third place overall and in Class A is the Brazilian Cisne Branco which has been keeping pace with the leaders since the beginning of the race on Tuesday.
In Class B Trinovante (UK) is still in the lead and proving hard to beat. Moosk (UK) is now up in second place and chasing hard with Jens Krogh (Denmark) doing well in third. The Class C battle continues with Akela (Russia) now leading with Black Diamond of Durham (UK) in second and Gaudeamus (Poland) back in third although any of these could take the lead at any time. Class D is also a battle with Assarain II (the Captains’ Daughters)(UK) now in the lead and a real threat to the others. St Barbara V (UK) is in second and Rona II (UK) back in third.
Photo: Assarain II
On the water Mir (Russia) continues to dominate although Christian Radich is now almost level and her captain is almost certainly keen to take the lead. Some of the smaller yachts are making good headway in the variable winds.
The forecast is for the winds to become lighter within the next 48 hours and then change to south south west 15-21 knots in the more southerly area where the leaders are now, while the back markers will continue to experience south easterly 11-16 knots of wind.
August 15, 2008 | admin
At the 1700 hrs GMT report Alexander von Humboldt (Germany) has taken the lead on corrected time, in front of Christian Radich (Norway) and Sorlandet(Norway). Alexander von Humboldt has however taken a more westerly route which may mean this good placing is short lived.
On the water the Class C vessels are leading, with Alba Explorer (UK) in the lead, Ocean Spirit of Moray (UK) in second and Spaniel (Latvia) in third. A little way behind them is a group of Class A ships, including Christian Radich, Mir (Russia) and Dar Mlodziezy (Poland).
On corrected time, Class B is being led by the Norwegian Stina Mari with Far Barcelona (Spain) in second place and Jens Krogh (Denmark) in third. Alba Explorer is not only leading on the water but also in Class C on corrected time. Behind her is Black Diamond of Durham (UK) with Ocean Spirit of Moray (UK) in third. Class D on corrected time is now being led by Hebe III (Czech Republic) with (UK) in second and Rona II (UK) in third.
Weather has become light and variable meaning the average speed has reduced considerably for the majority of the fleet. The winds are however due to increase again tomorrow afternoon. As the fleet head for the north of Scotland, the challenge will only get harder!
Sail Training International
July 24, 2008 | admin
