Au revoir Royal Greenwich

London says goodbye to the Tall Ships in the Falmouth – Royal Greenwich Tall Ships Regatta 2014 today as the fleet makes its way to the sea from Maritime Greenwich – along the historic riverfront to Woolwich and beyond to Tilbury.  Complete with new crews, the ships muster at Deptford from 12 noon today (Tuesday 9 September), leaving the Meridian Line to sail east from 1230.

Thousands of visitors have enjoyed an unforgettable experience over the last four days – an event which has seen the Tall Ships in London for the first time in 25 years.   But it is only au revoir, because the fleet will return in 2017. 

Around 50 ships from more than 20 nations are expected to take part in the ‘Rendez-vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta,Quebec – Canada’ organised by Sail Training International in partnership with the City of Quebec, in association with Le Rendez-Vous Naval de Quebec,

The Regatta will start from Royal Greenwich in April 2017 before crossing the North Atlantic to the USA, various ports in Canada and the Gulf of St Lawrence, Quebec City (18 – 23 July 2017), and finally return to Europe early September 2017.  

The race marks the 150th anniversary of the Canadian Confederation through its founders and founding provinces. The partnership with Quebec and Rendez-Vous Naval also provides financial assistance for those ships which register early. 

TRAINEE NEWS FROM AROUND THE PORT

Calum Chappell, 18, a student at the Marine Academy Plymouth is one of the trainees who sailed in the Falmouth to Royal Greenwich Tall Ships Regatta. Sailing aboard the Plymouth-based Island Trust’ Pegasus, Chappell said, äóìThis 300 mile trip was only the second time I have been on a boat. I was so surprised at how well everyone got on with each other. Such a range of different people but every worked well as a team. For anyone who gets a chance to have a go at this sort of sailing, I would highly recommend it. 

“I really feel it has boosted my confidence and personal development. I wouldn’t have expected that.äó

Chappell, who is studying chemistry and marine biology at Marine Academy Plymouth, was one of 280 young people from a wide range of backgrounds who sailed in the Regatta on board 19 boats operated by ASTO members. 

The ASTO fleet posted outstanding results in the race, with the Cirdan Trust’ Duet winning first overall in Class B and first overall, on corrected time.. Among the trainees on board were three 15-year-old police cadets from Enfield.

Also sailing  was 18-year-old Hannah Collins, a cadet instructor from Enfield. äóìThis was the first time I’ve ever sailed and I’m so pleased to have had the chance to experience it. I was a bit apprehensive when we set off from Falmouth but once I got into it I relaxed and started enjoying it,äó she said.

äóìI had a fantastic time and it was really great to have such support and trust from the team. It was also inspirational and, to win the event overall, made it all worthwhile. To be honest I would never have dreamed of taking part and I certainly didn’t realise the gravitas of the event before I got on board,äó she added.

äóìI learnt a lot about technique and also about leadership development skills which will help me with my career in the future,äó said Hannah, who hopes to become a police commissioner.

For further information about Sail Training, ASTO and its member organisations visit www.asto.org.uk