The North Sea Feeder Race got off to a great start as the decision to bring forward the Race Start paid off for the competing Tall Ships…
The change of forecasted winds off the coast of the Netherlands led to changes to the race start and timeframes for the second race of the Regatta. The Liberty Tall Ships Regatta 2019 Race Committee made the decision to bring forward the start of the race in order to take advantage of favourable conditions and it has led to an exciting start for the fleet.
With south easterly winds, the race start saw Shabab Oman II (Oman) make it through the start gate ahead of Urania (Netherlands), Belem (France) and Shtandart (Russia) who is yet to make her way across the line. Shabab Oman II held the lead in the early stages of the race with Urania in a close second place as night began to fall on the European coast. Overnight, the Omani Class A lost ground as Urania held her course to take the lead into the final stretch of the race.
The Tall Ships Races 2019 Race Director, Ben Stuart, gave an analysis of the action so far.
“The vessels on the race course are having a great sail so far and there is all left to play for. The weather has been perfect and Shabab Oman II (Oman) has enjoyed being leader on the water in a closely fought battle with Urania (Netherlands).
“There’s more excitement looking at the overall positions on corrected time as Belem (France) has joined the battle for the position as overall leader. With the wind due to shift to the north west, she will need to catch the first wind in order to find success.
“Shtandart (Russia) left port mid morning (24 June) and is currently on the way to the start line. With no confirmed retirement as yet she could prove to be a black horse during the race if she makes the close of the start gate, open until 14:00 UTC today (25 June).”
The Tall Ships Races 2019 Race Director, Ben Stuart
Provisional Results – ON CORRECTED TIME (HANDICAP)
- Belem (France)
- Shabab Oman II (Oman)
- Urania (Netherlands)
- Shtandart (Russia) *accompanying vessel until passing start gate
NB: Race report updates accurate as of 11:00 UTC
FOLLOW THE FLEET LIVE WITH YB TRACKING
Once again, you will be able to follow the Tall Ships fleet as they make their way along the race route thanks to the YB satellite tracking system. You can keep up to date with who is leading each race leg and ensure you miss none of the sailing action.
Each participating ship in the Races is fitted with a YB satellite transponder, a self-contained battery operated tracker which allows tracking of a vessel’s position from anywhere on earth. All vessels taking part in the Races are equipped with one so spectators can follow the fleet – anytime, anywhere!
LOOKING FORWARD TO THE TALL SHIPS RACES 2019
Following the end of the North Sea Feeder Race, the Tall Ships will join up with the start of the Tall Ships Races 2019 in Aalborg, Denmark. This year, Europe’s largest, free, family festival will visit north-west Europe during the summer, with a fleet of over 70 international Tall and Small Ships. The three-leg event will see vessels sailing from Aalborg, Denmark to Fredrikstad, Norway. Following this will be a stunning cruise-in-company along the coast of Norway to Bergen and a nail-biting race back to Aarhus, Denmark.
The event is open to young people aged 15-25, giving them the opportunity to get involved in a competitive event whilst also gaining skills in sailing, communication and building confidence. You can check out our dedicated event and Host Port pages to find out how you can take part!
ABOUT THE LIBERTY TALL SHIPS REGATTA 2019
The Liberty Tall Ships Regatta 2019 will see the international fleet of Tall Ships race from Rouen, France, to Scheveningen/The Hague, the Netherlands. We’re delighted to have now added a feeder race that will enable the ships to go onto the start of The Tall Ships Races 2019 in Aalborg.
Coinciding with the 75th Anniversary of D-Day and the liberation of occupied territory in Northwestern Europe, the Liberty Tall Ships Regatta 2019 will echo the theme of international friendship and understanding that is central to each and every Sail Training International Tall Ships event. After racing through the English Channel the fleet will embark on a Cruise-in-Company to Scheveningen/The Hague where there will be an invigorating port programme between 20-23 June.
