The party is in full swing in historic A Coruña today (Friday 12 August), with the crews from around the world cheering loudly.
Within the port, the crowds are out in force, joining the carnival atmosphere, visiting the impressive fleet, and meeting the engaging and triumphant crew members taking part in crew activities, such as open water swimming, a sailing regatta, and the greasy pole challenge.
Events kicked off in style yesterday (Thursday 11 August) with a fantastic opening ceremony, which was followed by the Captains’ Dinner at PALEXCO. Xulio Ferreiro (Mayor of A Coruña) spoke first, followed by Sophie Bavière, First Mate on board Gulden Leeuw (The Netherlands).
Read Sophie’s story here.
A Coruña Crew Parade
Earlier this evening, we saw the energetic crew parade and prestigious final prize-giving ceremony of the 60th anniversary year of the Tall Ships Races.
At 18:30, the crew parade started alongside the Xardíns de Méndez Núñez, south-west of the port. Crew members donned fancy dress, Sail On Board t-shirts, military uniforms, and a huge variety of colourful accessories as they made their way to the Plaza de María Pita.
Prize-Giving Ceremony
After the parade, the diverse, international group of trainees gathered at the main stage, eager to hear the overall winners of the Tall Ships Races 2016. Awards were presented by Raúl Mimbacas (Sail Training International Race Chairman) and Xulio Ferreiro (Mayor of A Coruña).
Race Three Awards
3rd Class D on Corrected Time
Politechnika (Poland)
2nd Class D on Corrected Time
Rona II (UK)
1st Class D on Corrected Time
Tomidi (Belgium)
3rd Class C on Corrected Time
Spaniel (Latvia)
2nd Class C on Corrected Time
St Iv (Estonia)
1st Class C on Corrected Time
Hosanna (France)
2nd Class B on Corrected Time
Rupel (Belgium)
1st Class B on Corrected Time
Jolie Brise (UK)
3rd Class A on Corrected Time
Statsraad Lehmkuhl (Norway)
2nd Class A on Corrected Time
Fryderyk Chopin (Poland)
1st Class A on Corrected Time
Simon Bolivar (Venezuela)
Race Communications Award
Fryderyk Chopin (Poland)
Youngest Crew
Jolie Brise (UK) – average age 19.3 years old
Most International Crew
Statsraad Lehmkuhl (Noway) – 13 nationalities (Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Netherlands, Finland, Germany, Romania, USA, UK, Australia.)
Cruise-in-Company Award
Pelican of London (UK)
The Cruise-in-Company awards goes to Pelican of London for the support that they provided and for their contribution towards the spirit of the Cruise-in-Company. She towed Black Diamond of Durham for 60 miles into the port of Aveiro, and continued to offer assistnce by giving Black Diamond of Durham‘s crew access to their showers, and event breakfast.
Best Dressed in the Crew Parade, Class B/C/D
Vera Cruz (Portugal)
Best Dressed in the Crew Parade, Class A
Morgenster (The Netherlands)
First Overall on Corrected Time
Hosanna (France)
Line Honours
Tomidi (Belgium)
Overall Race Series Awards
First Overall on Corrected Time, Class D
Politechnika (Poland)
First Overall on Corrected Time, Class C
St Iv (Estonia)
First Overall on Corrected Time, Class B
Jolie Brise (UK)
First Overall on Corrected Time, Class A
Statsraad Lehmkuhl (Norway)
Overall Line Honours
Spaniel (Latvia)
Spaniel crossed the line with a total elapsed time of 8 days, 13 hours, 48 minutes and 15 seconds.
Torbay Cup
Peter Threipland, UK, Lord Nelson
Peter’s Captain reported that his development as a team member has been exceptional. Peter has severe dyslexia and does not go to school. He had never sailed before and found his voyage socially overwhelming, daunting and hard work. But he overcame this and showed a natural empathy for his crew mates of all ages. He wrote the ships log, taught others of different nationalities and his ability to mix with all ages and abilities helped to make his watch the happiest and hardest working.
Unfortunately, Peter was not present at the Prize-Giving Ceremony, so a fellow crew member from Lord Nelson collected his award on his behalf.
Friendship Trophy
Fryderyk Chopin (Poland)
Fryderyk Chopin, in the opinion of the Captains and crews, contributed most towards international friendship and understanding.
- You can find the full race results here.
You can find out more about A Coruña on our port page, and about the Tall Ships Races 2016 on our event page. Don’t forget to check out our blog for the latest from the event.
You can also check out our latest photos on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Visitors should note that the port is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday, but not Sunday as the fleet prepares to depart for the Parade of Sail.
Photo: The crew of Fryderyk Chopin receiving the Friendship Trophy.
