Race 1 of the epic Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta is well underway, as the fleet makes steady progress across the Bay of Biscay, toward Sines, Portugal,
Peter von Danzig (Germany) continues to lead the fleet, with around 500 nautical miles to go to the finish line off Sines. However, the 55-metre topsail schooner Wylde Swan (The Netherlands) is sailing at over 10 knots and is beginning to close the gap. Rona II (UK) remains in third place on the water, but is still within striking distance of the lead, some 12 miles astern of Peter von Danzig (Germany).
Jolie Brise (UK) has moved up into first place on Corrected Time (CT, handicap), with Wylde Swan (The Netherlands) in second and Hosanna (France) in third on CT.
Wylde Swan (The Netherlands).
“The wind is forecast to remain a fresh easterly in the Bay of Biscay, but it’s due to go lighter when the front-runners reach the Portuguese coast. By contrast, the vessels to the north of WP 1 (Way Point 1) have been frustrated by very light and variable winds since the start. Christian Radich (Norway) and Santa Maria Manuela (Portugal) are having a close race within sight of each other, with Blue Clipper (UK) not far astern. These regional wind conditions that the fleet has experienced since the start have resulted in a two-fleet race, with the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer… but there is still a long way to go.”
Paul Bishop, Race Director.
Check out this fantastic drone video, which shows the fleet crossing the the start line in Torbay and starting their incredible voyage to Sines.
Follow the Fleet
Watch the action as it happens and follow the fleet’s progress using YB Satellite Tracking.
Get Involved!
Do you want to take part in the adventure of a lifetime? There are still berths available for Race 2 (from Sines to Bermuda) onwards. Why wait? Secure your place today. Check out the available places on our Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta event pages.
Editor: Positions and placings are correct at time of writing. Check out YB Satellite Tracking for the latest information.
Photo: Wylde Swan (The Netherlands), courtesy of Richard Sibley (featured image and banner image). Drone video courtesy of Droneforce Photography.