The Tall Ships Races 2018 fleet is enjoying a range of stunning harbours and anchorages en route to Stavanger as they head towards the penultimate port in this year’s series.
Sail Training International Race Director Paul Bishop said the crews are making the most of the opportunity to visit idyllic spots after a memorable departure from Esbjerg, Denmark last week.
“The fleet has made good progress on the Cruise-in-Company since making a grand departure in the Parade of Sail out of Esbjerg last Saturday.
“Some vessels have called into a couple of Danish ports but most of the fleet have spent the past few days enjoying the numerous small ports and anchorages that are scattered along the beautiful Norwegian archipelago. Many of the crews have been making the most of the beautiful sunny weather and have been meeting up in small groups having BBQs, swimming and generally relaxing before they switch into racing mode on Sunday for Race 2 to Harlingen.
“All vessels are due to arrive in Stavanger by midday on Thursday in time for the exciting programme that has been planned.”
Paul Bishop, Sail Training International Race Director.
Food is an important part of life at sea and on many of the vessels taking part in the Tall Ships Races 2018, the responsibility for preparing meals, often known as ‘mother watch’, is shared between crew members.
Niels, one of the crew on board Urania (Belgium) whose current crew comprises six nationalities, shares some of the obstacles to preparing food away from the comfort of a kitchen on dry land. “It is trying not to chop off any fingers while you are chopping potatoes, making sure you don’t drop the delicious foods you’ve prepared on the way to the table, stumbling through cupboards looking for things to eventually discover they are to be found in a secret area beneath the floor with an actual refrigerator in it, and so on.”
After the preparation of food, mealtimes are memorable for the lively discussions between the international crew. “We all have our differences and similarities, which lead to lively discussions during meals and during the watch, with subjects such as politics, the navy and religion no less. This is already an experience never to be forgotten.”
The picturesque port of Stavanger is abuzz with excitement and anticipation ahead of the fleet’s arrival and the final preparations are taking place for an action-packed four days of entertainment and activities.An early arrival on Tuesday afternoon was Christian Radich (Norway) who entered the harbour to cheers from gathered crowds on the quayside. The official programme kicks off on Thursday afternoon with an Official Opening Ceremony at 15:00 CET.
ABOUT THE TALL SHIPS RACES 2018
The Tall Ships Races 2018 will be the 58th edition of the world famous international race series. This year’s event will take place in the North Sea visiting four ports in 27 days, taking the fleet from the UK to Denmark, Norway and the Netherlands.
Participating in The Tall Ships Races 2018 is a fantastic experience that you can take part in too! There’s zero experience necessary and there are places are available on ships across the fleet on all race legs. There’s no need to wait – just do it!
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