Good winds, sunny skies and record temperatures
The Sydney to Auckland Tall Ships Regatta fleet got off to a great start today (Thursday 10 October) between Sydney’ North and South Heads.
The local weather forecasts had predicted record temperatures for October of up to 39 degrees, but the fresh north westerly winds made it an ideal sailing day for the international crews.
Tecla (Netherlands) got off to a great start and was followed closely by local vessel Young Endeavour (Australia), which crossed the start line just 54 seconds later.
Great crowds of spectators and several TV helicopters were out to witness the first international Tall Ships Regatta to be run in the Southern Hemisphere, organised by Sail Training International.
The racing vessels were joined by a pair of whales – a sign of good luck to many people – adjacent to the start line. And with over a thousand miles of racing ahead of them across the Tasman Sea, the crews are likely to see a lot more sea life before they cross the finish line.
The ships are expected to arrive in New Zealand around Saturday 19 October.
Follow the fleet
All racing ships have individual satellite transponders so their ‘live positions’ can be followed here as the race unfolds.
Race results
Keep up to date with the latest race results here.
Meet the crews
Watch video interviews with the crews as they prepared to race here
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