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Lerwick Officially Opens

21 July 2011

Over one thousand international trainees and crews paraded through Lerwick today before the event was declared officially open by Event Chairman, Knut Western, to a rapturous applause.

Hundreds of people aligned the streets and peered from their gardens and houses to witness their home town transform in to a multi-cultural Tall Ships festival, making sure the parading crews received a warm Lerwick welcome.

Following a fantastic opening ceremony, Sail Training International's Race Director, Paul Bishop, hosted the eagerly anticipated prize ceremony which saw 15 year old (and 63 days) Leon Siegert, a trainee from Esprit, win the prize for the youngest trainee.

Leon commented: "I have had a great time with a fantastic skipper and fun crew. The best part is the sailing and meeting other people and the worst has to be sea sickness!"

Wylde Swan from the Netherlands won the prize for most outstanding contribution to the Cruise-in-Company and Russian vessel, Mir, won most international crew spanning 12 different countries: Russia, UK, Belarus, Ukraine, Philippines, Sweden, Angola, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, India and Netherlands.

Please see below for the complete prize list:

Inter-ship sports competitions donated by the Shetland Island Council:

1. Overall winner of the Tug of War competition - Dar Mlodziezy, Poland (Swan a close second!)

2. Best arrival in Port - Espirit, Germany

3. Overall winner of hte volley ball competition - Dar Mlodziezy, Poland

4. Best dressed ship in port - Gloria, Colombia

5. Best crew in the Crew Parade Class B, C, D - Dar Szczezina

6. Best crew in the Crew Parade Class A - Gloria, Colombia

The Tall Ships Races 2011 special prizes donated by Sail Training International:

7. Youngest Trainee - Leon Siegert (15 years and 63 days), Esprit

8. Oldest Vessel - Liv, Norway (1893)

9. Best Blogs from the Cruise-in-Company - Solbjorn Einarsson, Europa