The incredible Tall Ships fleet is making steady progress across the Atlantic toward Bermuda today (Wednesday 17 May), during Race 2 of the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta.
Before we check out the latest news from the fleet (including a fantastic, musical story from Wylde Swan (The Netherlands)), let’s catch up with Sail Training International Race Director Paul Bishop:
“Spaniel is in the lead on the water and has 1,499 miles to the finish line off Bermuda, which is a great achievement given that she is in Class C and sailing without a spinnaker. Peter von Danzig (Germany) is further south and has 1,501 miles to go. Jolie Brise (UK) remains in first place on Corrected Time [handicap], but Blue Clipper (UK) is in second place and is having a terrific run along the Trade Winds. Wylde Swan (The Netherlands) is in front of her and is making even better speed, with the greatest distance covered during the past 24 hours.”
Paul Bishop, Sail Training International Race Director
These are the distances that the fleet has covered in the past 24 hours:
- 198 miles – Wylde Swan (The Netherlands)
- 193 miles – Spaniel (Latvia)
- 194 miles – Peter von Danzig (Germany)
- 185 miles – Blue Clipper (UK)
- 182 miles – Rona II (UK)
- 180 miles – Jolie Brise (UK)
- 173 miles – Vahine (Finland)
Note: Positions and placings are correct at time of writing. Check out YB Satellite Tracking for the latest information.
News From Wylde Swan (The Netherlands) – “Some Strange Sounds From the Ocean”
- LAT: 21 10N LONG: 33 55W
- COG: 275 SOG: 9.5 KN
- WEATHER: wind 16kn, Dir ENE
“Ahoy!
“Day 7 of our crossing and often at home I get asked, ‘Is it boring to sail over the ocean?’ No, it’s never boring. A group of nice people on a ship, all the time there is something happening.
“Often people ask, ‘Isn’t it very silent on the ocean? Only the sounds of the sea and the wind?’ Normally the answer is, ‘Yes, very nice, no noises.’ But on the Wylde Swan things are going a little differently at the moment… we started a band!
“Before we left Gran Canaria we emptied all the music shops in the city. Why? We wanted to buy a ukelele and a guitar! One ukelele became two and then three (and the day after we bought the fourth).
“Of course, after the ukelele we needed some guitars, kazoos, flutes, bongos, drums, some speakers, and, why not, a piano.
“Our first rehearsal was outside a bar on the main square of Las Palmas. The ‘music’ was loud, the vibe was good, and we composed our first songs. At the end of the rehearsal the square was almost empty though.
“That day we were playing the streets, the aft deck, at a party, and on other ships. Our enthusiasm was not always shared by the public, though. Some practice was clearly needed… and then we’ll give a great, well-composed concert in Bermuda.
“The next day it was time for the ocean race to Bermuda. Time to cast off lines and get in race mode.
“The first days at sea feel like coming home. The rolling, the happy faces, the sails go up, and everybody is getting in the the rhythm: the rhythm of the ship, the rhythm of the sea, and now the rhythm of the band as well.
“At 200 miles south of Las Palmas, we started without that much wind. The wind came a few hours later. The last few days the Swan has made good speeds up to 11 knots. No days less then 200 NM. We added the extra Turbo Stunsail. The trainees are becoming real helmsmen and sailors. They are preparing for a ships takeover.
“While sailing fast, we plan routes, look for the best wind and the best speed. We hear the ukeleles playing at the forecastle. We hear the guitars amidship, and louder music from the galley. Floating between decks you get the flutes, piano and saxophone.
“We’ll rock’n’roll to the other side of the Atlantic, sailing as fast as possible, making music, having fun, and preparing for some Bermudan prizes and concerts.”
Bosun, Officer Wiebe Radstake, Wylde Swan.
FOLLOW THE FLEET
Watch the action as it happens and follow the fleet’s progress using YB Satellite Tracking.
GET INVOLVED
You can still be part of this adventure of a lifetime. Berths are available for Race 3 (from Bermuda to Boston) onwards. Why wait? Secure your place today. Check out the available places on our Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta event pages.
You can book your place directly with a participating vessel, or if you’d like help simply email our friendly team on enquiries@sailonboard.com, who can make recommendations, answer questions and process your booking for you.
Photo: Wylde Swan (The Netherlands) (featured image and banner image courtsey of Valery Vasilevsky).
