Crews celebrate through the streets of Riga

Thousands of young people danced and marched through the streets of Riga, Latvia in a high energy crew parade, celebrating their time in the third port of the international Tall Ships Races 2013.

Christer Samuelsson, Event Chairman said, äóìThe energy of the crew parade today has been fantastic, matched only by the tremendous public interest in the Tall Ships Races here in Riga – which is one of the highest that we have ever experienced at a race event.  

äóìIt’ sad to leave the City of Riga, but we’ve all enjoyed a very warm welcome.  Now we are preparing to race to Szczecin, Poland in the final leg of The Tall Ships Races 2013. Fair winds and fast sailing to everyone taking part. See you again in Szczecin!äó

The crew parade ended with a prize award ceremony and the following awards were presented:

Riga Freeport Festival Sport Competition Awards – Canal Regatta

Fastest canal rider –  Esprit (Germany)

Most elegant crew –  Alexander von Humboldt (Germany)

Sad water miller – St Iv (Estonia)

Most joyful team – Seute Deerrn II (Germany)

Special Award – Spaniel (Latvia)                  

Riga Freeport Festival Sport Competition Awards – Tug-of-War      

3rd Place in Tug-of-War – Cisne Branco (Brazil)

2nd Place in Tug-of-War – Kruzenshtern (Russia)

1st Place in Tug-of-War – Spaniel (Latvia)

Riga City Awards

Yachts furthest distance from home port (STA Latvia)  – John Laing, Rona II and Thermopylae Clipper (UK)

Small Vessel Courage Award – Galaxy (Latvia)

Small Vessel Courage Award – Marta (Estonia)

Small Vessel Courage Award – Brabander (Lithuania)

Youngest crew in the Cruise-in-Company – Urtica (Poland).  Average age 19.1 years

Cruise-in-Company Special Award – Morgenster (Netherlands)

Best crew in the Crew Parade Class B, C, D (as judged by the Riga Port Committee) – Gedania (Poland)

Best crew in the Crew Parade Class A (as judged by the Riga Port Committee) – Pelican of London (UK)

– ends –

Editor’ notes:

What is sail training?

Sail Training is an adventure activity, which includes far more than sailing instruction. Participants are required to confront demanding challenges, both physical and emotional. It is an activity that inspires self-confidence and personal responsibility. It promotes an acceptance of others, whatever their social or cultural backgrounds, and develops a willingness to take controlled risks. Those who undertake Sail Training on Tall Ships generally find it a positive life-changing experience.

About Sail Training International (STI)

STI is the international voice of Sail Training, a registered charity (not-for-profit organisation), which has worldwide membership and activities. Its purpose is the development and education of young people through the Sail Training experience, regardless of nationality, culture, religi