Race One, Report Five: Fleet spread over a wide course

All change again in Class A as the majority of the fleet pass the Waypoint. As predicted the wind south of Waypoint 1 dropped off completely, catching some in the resulting hole.   The last communications schedule shows them spread over a wide course as they make their way towards Novorossiysk.

Current positions (all on corrected time) are as follows:

Class A

1st Mircea (Romania) – pictured crossing the start line

2nd Kaliakra (Bulgaria)

3rd Sedov (Russia)

Class B

1st Johanna Lucretia (UK)

2nd Adornate (Romania)

3rd Bodrum (Turkey)

Class C/D

1st Sea Adventure (Bulgaria)

2nd Akela (Russia)

3rd Viking (Russia)

Akela, who is on course to take line honours by a considerable distance, is approaching Novorossiysk and due to arrive in port around 2000hrs local time.

Bodrum and Adornate have taken a northerly route from the Crimean peninsula while Sedov and Royal Helena (Bulgaria) have taken the most southerly route of the fleet.

Also on the southern path are Nadezhda (Russia) and Mir (Russia), who continue as if they are match racing, with Nadezhda maintaining her lead from Mir.

You can follow the fleet on the Yellow Brick system by clicking on this link.

29 sail training vessels entered the SCF Black Sea Tall Ships Regatta, with 17 having arrived in Varna to take part, including one Ukranian and seven Russian ships. Most of them are racing from Varna (Bulgaria) to Novorossiysk (Russia) before cruising to Sochi (Russia), from where they will race the final leg to Constanta (Romania).

ends

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, religion, gender or social background. It organises the annual Tall Ships Races and other international Tall Ship sailing events. STI members are 29 national Sail Training organisations around the world and STI’ head office is in Gosport, Hampshire, UK.

The organisation was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize 2007 for its work in promoting international understanding and friendship.   www.sailtraininginternational.org

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.

For more information about the event visit Sail Training International 

Sovcomflot (SCF)

 SCF is the lead sponsor of The SCF Black Sea Tall Ships Regatta, 30 April – 27 May 2014, and was previously sponsor of The Tall Ships Races 2009.  Sovcomflot Group is Russia’s largest shipping company and one of the world’s leading energy transporters. 

Its mission is to be the leading international energy shipping company, offering a full range of seaborne energy solutions to its customers, based on advanced shipping technologies and innovations, achieving long-term sustainability of growth and profits through a soc