Pelican of London back in the game

Pelican of London (UK) has returned to the STI Tall Ships Races this year, bursting with young people from all around Europe to take part in the races after missing out last year.  The ship recently saw a new lease of life with a new managing partner taking the helm and guaranteeing the ship an exciting two year programme, including this and next year’s (2011) Tall Ships Race and a Trans-Atlantic adventure and expedition programme aimed at Gap Year and thrill seekers from 17 upwards in the winter of 2011.

Ben Swain, 2nd Officer on board, says äóìIt is great to be back involved in the Tall Ship Races.  Pelican and her crew feel amoung friends when involved in these races and the young people we have on board get so much out of the experience. ”

Pelican of London is completing all three legs of the tall ships races and the STI North Sea Regatta and is looking to build her reputation as the friendly little ship with a loud personalty.   Her crew of young people have come mostly from the County of Dorset in UK having been sponsored very generously by the  Scotshill Trust, however the ship’s company has a very much international feel with crew members from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, and as far as Canada all getting involved in the hustle and bustle of onboard life.

A young crew handled the ship well to a respectable mid table position in the first leg, conquering some difficult conditions before crossing the finishing line two days early.  Following that the ship picked up her second crew of the event and enjoyed visits to Lysekil in Sweden and Arundel during the Cruise in Company.  A new set of trainees are now settling in and preparing themselves for the coming race.

The entire fleet will leave Kristiansand tomorrow, with undocking starting at 10.00hrs in preparation for the Parade of Sail at 12.00 midday, when the ships will sail in formation as a spectacular and traditional salute to the port.  The fleet will then sail on the start line, approx seven miles off the Kristiansand entrance.

To view the final results of the first race and full prize list, click here.  

To see more images from The Tall Ships Races, click here.

The Tall Ships Races, presented by Szczecin and organised by Sail Training International.