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Race Update 12: Race time limit reached – provisional results available

The race time limit was reached today at 1200 hrs GMT for Class A, 1230 hrs for Class B, 1245 hrs for Class C and 1300 hrs for Class D, which means all vessels are deemed to have finished regardless of whether they have crossed the finish line or not.

Final results will not be confirmed until all the vessels have arrived in Den Helder and handed in their race declaration forms, but the provisional results show that Christian Radich (Norway) is the winner overall on corrected time, with Jolie Brise (UK) in second place and Sørlandet (Norway) in third.
In the Classes on corrected time, behind Christian Radich and Sørlandet in Class A is Mir (Russia). In Class B, Jolie Brise (UK) is the winner with Moosk (UK) in second place and Morning Star of Revelation (UK) in third. Akela (Russia) is the provisional winner of Class C, with Black Diamond of Durham (UK) in second place and Gaudeamus (Poland) in third. St Barbara V (UK) is in first place in Class D, with Rona II (UK) in second and Thyra (Denmark) in third.

The full list of provisional results can be seen in the Results

All the vessels are now making their way to Den Helder for the final four days of festivities which start on Wednesday 20 August. A number have already arrived in the port where they have been warmly welcomed.

August 18, 2008 | admin

Tall Ships

Race Update 11: Race time limit brought forward to assist back markers

The race time limit has been brought forward to 1200 hrs GMT today (for Class A), 1230 hrs (Class B), 1245 hrs (Class C) and 1300 hrs (Class D) in order to allow sufficient time for the back markers to make it to Den Helder in time for the final four days of festivities which start on 20 August.

Just 19 vessels remain on the course with all the others having crossed the finish line and either making their way to Den Helder or stopping off at other ports en route.

Christian Radich (Norway) looks set to hold on to her lead overall on corrected time with Jolie Brise (UK), the Class B vessel, coming in second and Sørlandet (Norway) in third. Statsraad Lehmkuhl, the third Norwegian ship, retired.

In Class B behind Jolie Brise is Moosk (UK) with Morning Star of Revelation (UK) remaining in third place. Akela (Russia) is in first place in Class C with Black Diamond of Durham (UK) in second and Guadeamus (Poland) in third. St Barbara V (UK) is the provisional winner of Class D with Rona II (UK) coming in second and Thyra (Denmark) in third, finally overcoming her sister vessel Svanen.

These results will remain provisional until the race time limit has been reached and the ‘finish at sea’ formula has been applied to all the vessels yet to cross the finish line. All vessels then have to complete and hand in their Race Declaration Forms before the results can be made final.

Winds are forecast to increase slightly and veer to the south west.

The vessels that have now crossed the finish line are: Akela, Antwerp Flyer, Black Diamond of Durham, Christian Radich, Cisne Branco, Cuauhtemoc, Eendracht, Esprit, Gaudeamus, John Laing, Jolie Brise, Mir, Rona II, Sørlandet, Spaniel, St Barbara V, Svanen, Thermopylae Clipper, Thyra, Urania and Zryw. Clyde Challenger is due into Den Helder later this morning.

August 18, 2008 | admin

Tall Ships

Race Update 10: More vessels cross finish line

A total of 15 vessels have now crossed the finish line with more expected overnight. Overall on corrected time, (Norway) remains in first place with Jolie Brise (UK) in second and now Sørlandet (Norway) in third. In Class A on corrected time, Christian Radich leads with Sørlandet in second place and Mir (Russia) in third. However, as there are more vessels yet to finish, this positions may still change.

In Class B on corrected time, the positions remain unchanged from this morning with Jolie Brise in first place, Moosk (UK) in second and Morning Star of Revelation (UK) in third for an all UK line up. In Class C, Akela (Russia) is in first place, Antwerp Flyer (Belgium) in second and Guadeamus (Poland) in third. St Barbara V II (UK) is in the lead in Class D with Rona II (UK) in second place and Thyra (Denmark) in third.

The vessels that have now crossed the finish line are: Akela, Antwerp Flyer, Christian Radich, Cuauhtemoc, Esprit, John Laing, Mir, Rona II, Spaniel, St Barbara V, Svanen, Thermopylae Clipper, Thyra and Urania. A number of these have gone direct to Den Helder while others will visit other ports before arriving in Den Helder on 20 August.

For the vessels in the more northerly part of the course winds are from the south east and 11-22 knots, decreasing to 6-15 knots. For those further south and approaching the finish line, winds are south south west, 14-20 knots, increasing to 16-32 knots.

August 17, 2008 | admin

Tall Ships

Race Update 9: Leaders hold steady as Akela takes line honours

The leaders in this second race of the series have remained unchanged overnight, while a number of vessels have crossed the finish line, with Akela (Russia) taking line honours.

Christian Radich (Norway) remains in the lead overall on corrected time with Jolie Brise, the Class B vessel, in second place overall and Statsraad Lehmkuhl (Norway) in third. In Class A on corrected time, Christian Radich and Statsraad Lehmkuhl are followed by the third Norwegian ship Sørlandet. In Class B, behind Jolie Brise is Moosk (UK) with Morning Star of Revelation (UK) in third. In Class C, Akela remains in first place with Black Diamond of Durham (UK) in second and Gaudeamus (Poland) in third. St Barbara V (UK) still leads Class D, with Rona II (UK) in second and Thyra (Denmark) in third.

Overnight a number of vessels crossed the finish line. The first across at just after 1900 hours GMT, was Akela (Russia). Others that followed later that evening or early this morning are: Mir (Russia), Thermopylae Clipper (UK), John Laing (UK), Esprit (Germany), Antwerp Flyer (Belgium), Rona II (UK), Thyra (Denmark), Svanane (Denmark) and Lietuva (Lithuania).

The weather forecast is for a continuation of south easterly winds of between 20 – 29 knots, decreasing to 15 – 22 knots for the next 24 hours. Over the next 48 hour period, winds will veer south south west 12 -17 knots, increasing to 18 – 26 knots, with isolated showers.

Late last night Clyde Challenger (UK) issued a mayday call as they were taking on water. All 13 crew members were taken off safe and well and the vessel is now on tow towards Den Helder. For the more details, click here.

August 17, 2008 | admin

Tall Ships

Race Update 8: Christian Radich hangs on to lead but southerly winds slow pace

Christian Radich (Norway) is holding on to her lead overall on corrected time, but has been overtaken on the water by a number of the smaller vessels favoured by the southerly winds. Behind her overall is now the Class B Jolie Brise (UK), clearly intent on taking a second title, with Statsraad Lehmkuhl (Norway) in third place.

Behind Christian Radich and Statsraad Lehmkuhl in Class A on corrected time is the Brazilian Cisne Branco. Behind Jolie Brise in Class B on corrected time is Moosk (UK) with Morning Star of Revelation (UK) in third. Class C is now being led by Akela (Russia) with Black Diamond of Durham (UK) in second and Gaudeamus (Poland) in third. St Barbara V (UK) remains in the lead in Class D with Rona II (UK) still in second but the third place now taken by Thyra (Denmark), in her own battle with fellow Danish Naval vessel Svanen.
Photo: Moosk (UK).

On the water Akela is now in the lead with just 10 miles to go to cross the finish line which she will do within the next few hours. Esprit (Germany) and Rona II are also doing well and expected to cross the finish line tonight. The closest Class A vessel to the finish line is Mir (Russia) with just over 35 miles to go.

The southerly winds have helped the yachts to make better progress than the square rigged ships and this is forecast to continue with south easterly winds of 11-21 knots, increasing to 27 knots at times. The further outlook is for the wind to come round to south south west, which will should help increase the average speed of the flee

August 16, 2008 | admin

Tall Ships

Race Update 7: Weather starts to favour smaller vessels as winds set to increase

The lighter winds have begun to benefit the smaller vessels with the Class C vessel Esprit (Germany) now in the lead on the water. Christian Radich (Norway) and Mir (Russia) are however close behind as are the yachts Akela (Russia), Antwerp Flyer (Belgium) and Rona II (UK) leaving the race for line honours still wide open.

Overall on corrected time Christian Radich remains in the lead with Statsraad Lehmkuhl (Norway) in second place and the Class B vessel, and winner of Race One, Jolie Brise (UK) now in third place. In Class A Sorlandet has moved up to third place on corrected time.

Behind Jolie Brise in Class B on corrected time is Moosk (UK) with Morning Star of Revelation (UK) now up into third place. Black Diamond of Durham (UK) is back in the lead in Class C with Akela in second and Gaudeamus (Poland) in third. St Barbara V (UK) has taken back the lead in Class D with Rona II (UK) in second and Svanen (Denmark) back up into third place.

Disappointing news for Assarain II (UK), who had been in the lead in their class, as their forestay broke overnight which has meant she has had to retire from the race and is making her own way to Den Helder. There are some very unhappy Captains’ Daughters on board!

The winds have lessened but are due to increase, still from the south east but from 12-17 knots to between 24 and 35 knots. Tomorrow winds will remain in the south east but increase to 21-41 knots before veering south south west and decreasing 14-20 knots. Given the conditions, a number of vessels will probably cross the finish line over the weekend.

August 16, 2008 | admin

Tall Ships

Race Update 6: Three vessels fight for the lead as wind turns south

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.

Assarain II

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

Tall Ships

Race Update 5: Christian Radich holds onto her lead as winds lessen

The winds have decreased in strength and are variable which has slowed the progress of the fleet considerably. The forecast is however for the winds to increase in strength but go to the south east over the next couple of days. Despite the lessening winds, Christian Radich (Norway) has held onto her lead overall on corrected time with Cisne Branco (Brazil) in second and Statsraad Lehmkuhl (Norway) back up into third place.

Class B is still being led by Trinovante (UK) on corrected time with Jens Krogh (Denmark) up into second place and Moosk (UK) dropping back to third. The battle for Classes C and D continue apace. Gaudeamus (Poland) has taken back the lead in Class C on corrected time with Black Diamond of Durham (UK) in second and Akela (Russia) third. Rona II (UK) has held onto her lead in Class D on corrected time with Assarain II (the Captains’ Daughters)(UK) remaining in close contention in second and Thyra (Denmark) in third.

Photo: Christian Radich (Norway)

Christian Radich (Norway)

On the water Mir (Russia) still leads with Christian Radich off to the east slightly. Cisne Branco and Cuauhtemoc (Mexico) are catching up behind them. The changing wind conditions should be more favourable to the yachts and the battle on the water between Rona II, Antwerp Flyer (Belgium), Esprit (Germany) and Thyra (Denmark) is becoming fierce with all of them racing to get ahead of the others. Strategically Thyra could be in a better position as she has gone east of the route which could give her an advantage with the forecast wind direction.

August 15, 2008 | admin

Tall Ships

Race Update 4: The competition hots up as the fleet turns south

The competition is beginning to heat up as the vessels pass the first waypoint and head south. The wind has also veered to a more southerly direction which is slowing the square rigged ships and meaning more tactics will come into play. Christian Radich (Norway) has now taken up the lead overall on corrected time as well as in Class A. Behind her is Alexander von Humboldt (Germany) with Statsraad Lehmkuhl (Norway) now in third.

The competition for Class B is also hotting up with Trinovante (UK) going well and now in the lead on corrected time. Moosk (UK) is also on the move and up into second place with Jens Krogh (Denmark) in third.

Photo: Cisne Branco (Brazil)

The battle for Class C continues with Black Diamond of Durham (UK) now in the lead with Gaudeamus (Poland) in second and Akela (Russia) third. Class D is also going to be another UK battle with Rona II (UK) taking up the lead with Assarain II (the Captains’ Daughters)(UK) in second and St Barbara V (UK) in third. All these positions are sure to keep changing as the race progresses.

On the water Mir (Russia) continues to lead with Cisne Branco (Brazil) keeping pace and Christian Radich, Cuauhtemoc (Mexico) and Statsraad Lehmkuhl all close behind.

Because of the change in direction and speed of the wind, the estimated times of arrival listed for each of the vessels is likely to be extended as the race progresses.

August 14, 2008 | admin

Tall Ships

Race Update 3: Statsraad Lehmkuhl remains in the lead overall on corrected time

The Class A ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl (Norway) remains in the lead overall on corrected time with Christian Radich (Norway) close behind in second and Cisne Branco (Brazil) in third. These three look set to battle it out between them for the honour of winning the race and their class.

Statsraad Lehmkuhl remains in the lead overall on corrected time

Tecla (Netherlands) remains in the lead of Class B with Trinovante (UK) in second and now Far Barcelona (Spain) in third. Class C remains unchanged with Guadeamus (Poland) in the lead, Akela (Russia) in second and John Laing (UK) in third. The battle for Class D continues with St Barbara V and Rona II (UK) still in second and now Svanen (Denmark) back in third place, pushing rival and fellow Danish Naval vessel Thyra back into fourth – this is another battle that looks set to continue.
On the water a number have now rounded the first waypoint ten miles off Aberdeen and are now heading back down the North Sea towards Den Helder. Mir (Russia) remains in the lead with Cisne Branco now in second place and Statsraad Lehmkuhl in third. Others around the waypoint are Christian Radich, Cuauhtemoc (Mexico) , Eendracht (Netherlands) and Esprit (Germany)

The fleet are continuing to enjoy favourable north westerly winds of 12-18 knots which are set to continue for the rest of today. Tomorrow the winds are forecast to go round to east/south east and lessen slightly to 10-14 knots which will slow some of the square rigged ships down a bit.

The communications vessel, the Norwegian Coastguard Andenes was forced to be redeployed overnight to attend to some urgent coastguard duties, but Lord Nelson stepped in to take over the morning communication schedule, which delayed matters a little but hopefully things will be back to normal later today.

August 14, 2008 | admin

Tall Ships

Race Update 2: A battle between two Norwegian rivals hots up

At the 1700 GMT position report, Statsraad Lehmkuhl (Norway) was holding on to her lead overall on corrected time with her Norwegian rival Christian Radich still hot on her heels in second place. In third is now Cisne Branco (Brazil).

A battle between two Norwegian rivals hots up

In Class B the lead on corrected time has now been taken up by Tecla (Netherlands) with Trinovante (UK) now in second place and Moosk (UK) in third. The Class C leader is Gaudeamus (Poland) with Akela (Russia) in second and always a threat to the lead, and John Laing (UK) in third. Class D is another UK battle with St Barbara V (UK) in the lead with Rona II close behind. Behind them is now Thyra (Denmark) with her fellow Danish Navy vessel Svanen close behind them.
On the water Mir (Russia) continues to dominate the fleet with Cisne Branco also doing extremely well, while close behind her is Christian Radich with Statsraad Lehmkuhl still slightly north but closing the gap.

Winds have continued in a northerly to north-westerly direction 20 – 25 Knots which means the fleet have all been making good progress. However the forecast is for the winds to back from tomorrow and decrease slightly so progress may slow.

August 13, 2008 | admin

Tall Ships

Race Update 1: Statsraad Lehmkuhl takes an early lead

The Norwegian Class A ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl has taken an early lead on corrected time in the second race of The Tall Ships’ Races 2008. At the 0600 GMT position report, she was in the lead both in her class and overall with Norwegian rival Christian Radich in second place and Morgenster (Netherlands) in third.

Jolie Brise sails across the start line in the setting sun.

Photo: Jolie Brise sails across the start line in the setting sun.

The first race winner Jolie Brise (UK) is also doing well and leading Class B as well as lying third overall on corrected time. Class C is being led by Gaudeamus (Poland) with Black Diamond of Durham (UK) in second and Akela (Russia) in third. Assarain II (the Captains’ Daughters from the UK) is looking to repeat her first race win and is leading Class D. Behind her is St Barbara V (UK) looking to give her a good run for her money with Svanen, one of the two Danish Naval vessel, lying in third.

The helpful northerly winds that finally helped the fleet across the start line has remained and increased slightly to between 13 and 20 knots. Many of the fleet may experience isolated showers but it for most it should become fair. These winds look to continue for the next 72 hours which will help the fleet across the North Sea to the waypoint some ten miles off Aberdeen.

August 13, 2008 | admin

Tall Ships

Race Update 14: Provisional Results in – Jolie Brise wins overall on corrected time

With just a few ships left to arrive in Maløy, and the final time limit for the race now passed, the provisional results are available. It should be noted that these will remain provisional until all Race Declaration Forms have been received from the ships. The final results will be announced on Friday 1 August at midday.

Jolie Brise (UK) the Class B vessel is provisional winner, on corrected time, of the first leg of The Tall Ships’ Races 2008. In second place is Stina Mari (Norway), also Class B, with the Class A Christian Radich (Norway) in third place.

In the Classes on corrected time, Christian Radich is the winner of Class A, with Mir (Russia) in second and Dar Mlodziezy (Poland) in third. Behind Jolie Brise and Stina Mari in Class B is Etoile (France). Provisional winners of Class C are Alba Explorer (UK) with Black Diamond of Durham (UK) in second and Spaniel (Latvia) in third. Winner of Class D is Assarain II (UK) with Lietuva (Lithuania) second and St Barbara V (UK) third.

Jolie Brise (UK) the overall winner of the first leg of The Tall Ships' Races.

Photo: Jolie Brise (UK) the overall winner of the first leg of The Tall Ships’ Races.

The majority of the fleet are now in Maløy with the remaining few due to arrive today. Many of the ships have corporate hospitality arranged for the coming days either in port or on day sails. The entertainment village is in the process of being put up with a magnificent stage built in the town square and lines of white tents which will be offering food, drinks and merchandise for sale. The entire town is getting involved in the event, with all the shop keepers dressed in special Tall Ships’ Races outfits and displaying Tall Ships’ Races items in their windows.

The first official day of the event in Maløy is tomorrow when the crew parade will take place through the town followed by what promises to be a very grand prize giving. Other events scheduled for the four days includes a special captains dinner, the venue for which has been kept secret, and the English rock band Status Quo, who are sure to rock the ships on Sunday evening.

July 31, 2008 | admin

Tall Ships

Race Update 13: Vessels continue to cross the line as Maløy prepares for the festivities

More vessels in The Tall Ships’ Races continued to cross the finish line overnight making small amendments to the provisional results. In the lead on corrected time overall remains Jolie Brise (UK) with Stina Mari (Norway) in second place and Christian Radich (Norway) in third. In Class A on corrected time Christian Radich is in first place with Mir (Russia) in second and Alexander von Humboldt (Germany) back up into third place. However Alex has not yet finished the race so this may change again.

In Class B on corrected time, behind Jolie Brise and Stina Mari is now Constantia (Sweden) although again, she has not yet finished the race so this placing may again change. In Class C on corrected time, positions remain unchanged with Alba Explorer (UK) in first place, Black Diamond of Durham (UK) in second and Spaniel (Latvia) in third. Class D is also unchanged with Assarain II (UK) in first place, Lietuva (Lithuania) in second and St Barbara V (UK) in third.

The vessels are now pouring into Maløy in beautiful bright and sunny weather. The smallest town ever to host The Tall Ships’ Races is gearing itself up for it’s busiest week ever with thousands of people expected to visit the town over the coming days. Almost all the people who live in the town are involved in some way and cruise ships have been brought in to cater for the expected visitors.

July 30, 2008 | admin

Tall Ships

Race Update 12: Class Positions continue to change as vessels finish

Vessels have continued to cross the finish line throughout the day, and with these new finishers the class positions have altered slightly. This may continue to happen until all the vessels have crossed the finish line.

Overall on corrected time the leading three positions remain unchanged with Jolie Brise (UK) in first place, Stina Mari (Norway) in second and Christian Radich (Norway) in third. In Class A on corrected time Christian Radich is still in first place, with Mir (Russia) in second and now Dar Mlodziezy (Poland) moving up to third position. Behind Jolie Brise and Stina Mari in Class B on corrected time is now Etoile (France).

Classes C and D on corrected time remain unchanged from earlier stated positions as the majority of these vessels have crossed the finish line.

Winds remain frustratingly light off the Norwegian coast meaning it is taking time for the final vessels to get across the finish line. As a result the Race Committee have decided to bring forward the race time limit to tomorrow, Wednesday 30 July, 1200 GMT for Class A vessels, 1230 for Class B, 1245 for Class C and 1300 for Class D. This will time for the remaining vessels to start their motors and make better time to port without jeaopardising their racing positions due to the Sail Training International ‘Finish at Sea’ formula.

The vessels that have finished have received a warm welcome with the Liaison Officer system springing into action to ensure the vessels have full facilities operational. The captains have reported that they enjoyed the race which had certain tactical elements to it which added interest.

July 29, 2008 | admin

Tall Ships

Race Update 11: Finishers arrive in Maløy to warm welcome

More vessels in The Tall Ships’ Races finished overnight and arrived in Maløy to a warm welcome with their national anthems played and flags raised. The small fishing town of Maløy is about to be doubled in size with the arrival of the fleet and everyone is involved in some way or other. Two cruise ships have been brought in to cater for the numbers of people expected, as the one hotel with its 48 rooms would not be able to cope!

Overall on corrected time Jolie Brise (UK) is in first place with Stina Mari (Norway) in second and Christian Radich (Norway) in third. Behind Christian Radich in Class A is Mir (Russia) with Alexander von Humboldt (Germany) in third. However, there are a number of other Class A vessels yet to cross the finish line so this may change.

Stina Mari

Photo: Stina Mari

Class B remains unchanged from last night with the first three being, Jolie Brise, Stina Mari and Far Barcelona (Spain). Classes C and D are also unchanged as all vessels have now crossed the finish line.

A total of 23 vessels have now crossed the finish line with another dozen or so frustratingly waiting just off the coast for some wind to help them across the line.

Lord Nelson and Pelican of London (UK) are the back markers, still some way back north of the Shetland Isles. Other vessels making their way across the North Sea are Moosk (UK) and Spirit of Fairbridge (UK). However with the race time limit not up until Thursday 31 July, they should have sufficient time to make progress. A number of vessels have retired and are making their way to Maløy under power. These are: Jens Krogh (Denmark), Leader (UK), Roald Amundsen (Germany), Svanhild (Norway) and Williwaw (Belgium). Hebe III (Czech Republic) was also forced to retire after being dismasted and has made her way to Stromness.

July 29, 2008 | admin

Tall Ships

Race Update 10: Group of vessels finally manage to cross the finish line

More vessels crossed the finish line today despite the light winds close to the Norwegian coast. As more vessels finish, so the leaders on corrected time change. Currently the Class B Jolie Brise (UK) is in first place on corrected time overall. Behind her is Stina Mari (Norway), also Class B, and then Christian Radich (Norway) in third.

As for the Classes, behind Christian Radich in Class A is Mir (Russia) with Alexander von Humboldt (Germany) in third. However, as more vessels cross the line, this may well change and these positions should be viewed as provisional. Behind Jolie Brise and Stina Mari in Class B is Far Barcelona (Spain). The majority of Class C have finished with Alba Explorer (UK) holding on to her lead with Black Diamond of Durham (UK) in second and Spaniel (Latvia) in third. All the Class D vessels are now finished with Assarain II (UK) in first place, Lietuva (Lithuania) in second and St Barbara V (UK) in third.

Vessels that have now finished the race are: Akela, Alba Explorer, Antwerp Flyer, Assarain II, Christian Radich, Clyde Challenger, Dar Mlodziezy, Dasher, Jolie Brise, Lietuva, Mir, Ocean Spirit of Moray, Rona II, Spaniel, St Barbara V and Urania. With the finish line extremely close to the port of Maløy, many have opted to go straight there, although a number have chosen to stay out and enjoy the beautiful weather and scenery.

The winds for those vessels close to the Norwegian coast remains very light making it difficult for them to get across the line. For the vessels further back into the North Sea winds remain fairly fresh which should help them along over the next two days. The first official port day in Maløy is Friday 1 August.

July 28, 2008 | admin

Tall Ships

Race Update 9: Lack of wind holds up many from crossing the finish line

The Class B vessel Stina Mari (Norway) has held on to her overnight lead overnight on corrected time with fellow Class B Jolie Brise (UK) now in second place and the Class A ship Alexander von Humboldt (Germany) now in third. Behind Alex in Class A on corrected time is Christian Radich (Norway) with Asgard II (Ireland) in third.

Far Barcelona (Spain) remains in third place in Class B on corrected time behind Stina Mari and Jolie Brise. The battle for Class C continues with Alba Explorer (UK) now back in the lead with Black Diamond of Durham (UK) in second and Spaniel (Latvia) in third. In Class D, Assarain II (UK) has held onto her lead on corrected time with St Barbara V (UK) in second and Lietuva (Lithuania) in third.

Ten vessels have now crossed the finish line, Akela, Alba Explorer, Antwerp Flyer, Dar Mlodziezy, Dasher, Jolie Brise, Lietuva, Mir, Ocean Spirit of Moray and Spaniel but many more are frustrated by the lack of wind to help them across the finish line. The square rigged ships are at more of a disadvange in these circumstances which allows the smaller vessels to make some progress, albeit slowly.

Akela, Alba Explorer, Black Diamond of Durham, Lietuva and Ocean Spirit of Moray have all arrived in Maløy to a warm welcome with a gun salute and their national anthem being played. More are expected later today although a number have decided to take some time to explore the beautiful fjords as the sun in shining with warm mid 20s temperatures. The first official day in Maløy is Friday 1 August.

July 28, 2008 | admin

Tall Ships

Race Update 8: More vessels cross the finish line, Stina Mari takes the lead

The evening report has seen a number of vessels crossing the finish line but also some interesting change in positions. The Norwegian Class B vessel Stina Mari has taken over the lead overall on corrected time with Alexander von Humboldt (Germany) now in second place and Christian Radich (Norway) back in third for the first time since the beginning of the race.

Behind Alexander von Humboldt and Christian Radich in Class A on corrected time is Asgard II (Ireland). In second place behind Stina Mari in Class B on corrected time is Jolie Brise (UK) with Far Barcelona (Spain) in third. Black Diamond of Durham (UK) remains in first place in Class C with Alba Explorer (UK) in second and Spaniel (Latvia) in third. In first place in Class D is still Assarain II (UK) with St Barbara V (UK) in second and Lietuva (Lithunia) in third.

Four vessels have now crossed the finish line, Mir, Spaniel, Lietuva and Alba Explorer. Several others are within 20 miles of the finish line but frustratingly are becalmed.

Changes to these positions may still change as more vessels cross the finish line over night and only when all the vessels are in and their race declaration forms are received, can the final results be confirmed.

Sail Training International

July 27, 2008 | admin

Tall Ships

Race Update 7: First vessel crosses the finish line

As expected last night saw Alba Explorer (UK) cross the finish line at 03.27 GMT. The next finishers are expected sometime shortly after midday today, including Spaniel (Latvia), Mir (Russia) and Dar Mlodziezy (Poland). Meanwhile a number of changes have occurred overnight. In Class A on corrected time Christian Radich maintains the lead but now Alexander von Humboldt (Germany) has moved into second place with Stavros S Niarchos (UK) now in third.

Stavros S Niarchos

Class B on corrected time is now being led by the Norwegian Stina Mari, clearly heading for home with a final burst of energy. Behind her is Jolie Brise (UK) and Far Barcelona (Spain). Alba Explorer may have crossed the finish line first but Black Diamond of Durham (UK) is now in the lead in Class C on corrected time with Alba Explorer second and Ocean Spirit of Moray (UK) back up into third. Class D is also undergoing a shake up with Assarain II (UK) taking the lead, St Barbara V (UK) in second and Lietuva (Lithuania) in third.

Winds closer to the Norwegian coast are lighter which means many of the vessels are slowing down considerably and taking longer to reach the finish line. For those vessels still crossing the North Sea, winds should remain moderate.

Sail Training International

July 27, 2008 | admin

Tall Ships

Race Update 6: Final surge for many as vessels head for the finish line

As a number of vessels are approaching the finish line in the first race of The Tall Ships’ Races 2008, it is clear that many of them are pulling out all the stops to beat their rivals. Christian Radich (Norway) retains the lead overall on corrected time, but now Alexander von Humboldt (Germany) has moved up to second place with Statsraad Lehmkuhl (Norway) in third. On the water, Alba Explorer remains likely to take line honours with an expected finish time of around midnight tonight.

Class B continues to be led by Stina Mari (Norway) on corrected time with Jolie Brise (UK) now in second and Far Barcelona (Spain) back up into third place. Behind Alba Explorer in Class C is Black Diamond of Durham (UK) who are making a run for the line and Spaniel (Latvia) in third, who are always keen to be in the winning line up. Lietuva (Lithuania) has now taken over the lead in Class D, pushing Rona II back into second place and Urania (Netherlands) remaining in third.

The fleet tracking shows that some of the fleet decided to go further north, while others kept a more southerly course. Strategically Statsraad Lehmkuhl may have an advantage over Christian Radich as she is slightly more up wind which may help her close the gap.

Winds remain fresh for much of the fleet but as the vessels approach the Norwegian coast, winds will become light and variable, which may extend the calculated ETAs for many of the vessels.

Sail Training International

July 26, 2008 | admin

Tall Ships