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.