Under
dramatic skies the second race of the Culture 2011 Regatta started at 0600hrs
UTC today, some seventy miles from Turku,
south of the island of Uto. The fleet had made their way there throughout the
course of yesterday evening after the Parade of Sail.
The
wind was S-SW 20 knots, and gusting up to 30 knots in the frequent squalls.
First
across the line in Class A was Fryderyk Chopin (Poland) followed by Dar
Mlodziezy (Poland). Sedov
(Russia) made a dramatic start, but Gulden Leeuw (Netherlands) had to use her
engines to keep clear of her.
The
B, C & D class vessels shared a start time fifteen minutes after the gate
had closed for Class A’s. First across
was Race One winner, Fujimo (USA) from Class D, followed by Class C vessel 4
Oceans’ Dream (Poland) with another Class D vessel, Lady B (Poland) crossing
third.
The
start was conducted from the Finnish Navy vessel, Hameenmaa, at the windward
end of the line and the Polish Navy vessel, Lublin, at the leeward end. Lublin is also the communications vessel for
the race, with two Sail Training International communications officers
onboard.
Camelot
(Poland) unfortunately did not start as she is experiencing engine problems. However the racing rules allow them to start
within 24 hours of the published start time so they are planning to join the race
and be on the first radio schedule, due at 1615hrs UTC this afternoon.
Pic: Thalassa (Netherlands) and Kruzenshtern (Russia) cross the start line
To view the leaderboard, click here
To track the fleet in real time and see the positions on the water, click here
The Culture 2011 Tall Ships Regatta is organised by Sail Training International.