Race report seven: one of the most remarkable races in recent years
The last few vessels in the first race leg of The Tall Ships Races 2015 are due to cross the finish line later tonight (Monday 13 July) – to end one of the most
remarkable Tall Ships Races in recent years and the beautiful city of
Alesund in Norway is standing by its reputation as the port of friendship.
Every vessel arriving
into harbour is receiving a special, individual welcome into the harbour – from
water and celebration cannons, to TV coverage and photographs.
Photos of the vessels
arriving can be seen on Facebook here.
Paul Bishop, Race Director, Sail Training International reports.
äóìThe
stalwart crews have seen a complete mixture of conditions since starting the
race off the north coast of Northern Ireland last Monday. They have battled
against gale force winds and mountainous seas of over five metres high and have
also piloted their way through fog and frustrating calms.
“The challenging race
course and unpredictable weather patterns have kept the captains and navigators
stretched over the past week with weighing up key strategic decisions at every
stage. Will it be faster to go through the Minch, or outside of the Hebrides?
Should we go north or south of the Shetlands? Will there be more favourable winds
close to the Norwegian coast, or should we keep further offshore when closing
the finish line? Analytical strategic decisions and good sailing have paid off, but luck has also had its part to play with the front-runners having benefited
from favourable winds and those slightly behind being headed by light conditions so close to the finish line.
