The Dutch naval sail training vessel Urania led The Tall Ships’ Races fleet out of Den Helder today in a beautiful parade of sail. The sun shone for most of the day and many of the vessels set some sail. As they passed the saluting vessel, De Ruyter, they paid their respects to the city by firing cannons, performing Mexican waves or cheering. On board De Ruyter were a number of dignitories including the Prins Maruits van Oranje-Nassau van Vollenhove, who said he thoroughly enjoyed watching the ships and was a huge supporter of all that Sail Training International stood for.
Watching the parade of sail from the shore were thousands of people who were treated to a great view as the ships passed fairly close as they sailed along the Den Helder roads. As the ships disappeared into the distance, they were joined by hundreds of spectator craft which followed along beside to cheer and wave.
Yesterday some 80,000 people were estimated to have visited the fleet in Den Helder with more expected to have watched the parade of sail today.
A number of the vessels had taken spectators on board for the parade and then returned them to Den Helder before disappearing into the sunset. Many of them will be joining up again for Sail Bremmerhaven on 27 August, and then afterwards a number will be in Falmouth for the start of the Funchal 500 Tall Ships Regatta which will see around 30 vessels race down to Ilhavo in Portugal and then on to Madeira in Funchal to celebrate the city’s 500th anniversary.
The race series has been a spectacular success with many young people having experienced their first time at sea with all the challenges that brings. The memories they take away with them will stay with them forever and it is hoped will shape their lives in a positive way and help stand them in good stead for the future. Many will be back again next year to renew friendships and to experience another adventure.
Final Results and Prize Lists
August 23, 2008 | admin
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
Bergen’s own Tall Ship, Statsraad Lehmkuhl, led the Parade of Sail out of Bergen today after four days of festivities. From 8am this morning the ships had been undocking and leaving the harbour to wait in the outer bay for the parade of sail which started at 11am. The Commissioner of the City of Bergen, Monica Maeland, together with other dignatories, saluted the ships as they past and they in turn manned the yards, cheered and sounded their ship’s wistles to thank Bergen for their wonderful hospitality.
The fleet left the area with an escort of smaller vessels and a water cannon. They went under the Askøy Bridge, which was lined with people with a perfect view of the fleet as they departed.
Earlier in the morning rain had threatened but as the parade of sail got under way, even the sun came out to cheer the fleet on their way.
The fleet are now heading out to the race start area, which is some five miles off Hellisøy Lighthouse, some 45 miles from Bergen. The start will take place this evening at 1900 hours local time.
August 12, 2008 | admin
Maløy waved a sad goodbye to The Tall Ships’ Races fleet today as they departed on their cruise in company to Bergen, ending four days that the town will never forget. Sorlandet was the first ship to slip from her berth and lead the fleet down the fjord before turning and coming back past the town in full sail. With the sun shining and most of the vessels setting at least some sail, the watching public were treated to a spectacular view.
As the parade of sail got going and the vessels made their return journey back past Maløy, the harbour in front of the town was filled witih the sight of ships, with the smaller Class C and D vessels making up a colourful scene.
Photo: Sorlandet leads the parade of sail out of Maløy.
The fleet are now free to cruise in company in the non-competitive phase of the race series. A number of small ports around the fjords have invited the ships to visit and the crews and trainees on board are sure to be rewarded with some amazing sights as they sail past the beautiful scenery and have a chance to visit some lovely small towns.
The fleet are due to arrive in Bergen on 9 August for the start of the four day festivities, during which they will prepare for the second race of the series to Den Helder in the Netherlands.
August 4, 2008 | admin
With just under a month to go before the start of The Tall Ships’ Races 2008, the host ports are all gearing themselves up to accommodate the media. Young people from all walks of life will be sailing on these beautiful ships for an adventure of a lifetime. Ships from Brazil, Uruguay, Mexico, Oman, Bulgaria, as well as from all over Western and Eastern Europe will be taking part, togethe with many youngsters from the North East, so come and see for yourself what 70+ ships looks like in port and how beautiful they are when under sail.
Press offices will be set up in all the ports, close to the ships, where you will be able to collect your press accreditation. We recommend you register for accreditation in advance and details of how to do so, for each of the ports, is listed below:
Liverpool
Visit the Liverpool08 website to complete the online accreditation form: www.liverpool08.com/media/contacts.asp. Please note there are separate forms for access to the docks and on the river for the Parade of Sail.
Race Start
The race start on 23 July will take place off the north coast of Northern Ireland (55° 16′ N 006° 48′W). Media boats will be going out from Port Rush, departing at 12noon on Wednesday 23 July. If you would like to go out to the race start area please complete the attached registration form and return to corinne.hitching@sailtraininginternational.org.
Måløy
Visit their website and complete the online accreditation form:
http://www.tallshipsrace.no/
See also attached invite from Måløy.
Bergen
Visit their website and complete the online accreditation form:
http://www.tallshipsracesbergen.no/
Den Helder
Journalists and photographers wishing to gain accreditation should send their requests to Folke Luteijn on: pr@thetallshipsraces2008denhelder.nl.
If you have any other questions, please do ask! Visit the website: www.tallshipsraces.com
Kind regards
Corinne
Media & Publications Manager
Sail Training International
Office Tel: +44 23 9258 6367
Office Fax: +44 23 9258 4661
Direct Tel: +44 1730 810437
Mob: +44 77641 83866
June 24, 2008 | admin
