The first Tall Ships have started arriving in Boston, after crossing the finish line of Race 3 of the incredible Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta. There have been some fast finishers, while the rest of the fleet has been affected by the variable winds during the race from Bermuda.
Here’s the latest:
“Six vessels have now crossed the finish line, which is 80 miles due east of Boston and have headed into Salem, MA. The remaining vessels are facing headwinds once they have rounded the two Way Points off St George Bank, which will slow their progress.
“Oosterschelde (The Netherlands) was the first Class A ship to finish, having sailed an excellent race. She leads overall on Corrected Time (CT). Jolie Brise (UK) is in second place overall, but is only a few minutes ahead of Pride of Baltimore II (USA) on CT, so this could change depending on her progress to the finish line some 50 miles away. Vahine (Finland) is in first place on CT in Class C/D, with Spaniel (Latvia) just two hours behind.
“There has been some very close racing over the 800 miles up from Bermuda.”
Sail Training International Race Director, Paul Bishop
Check out the latest placings from Race 3 of the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta from Bermuda to Boston on Corrected Time:
- Oosterschelde (The Netherlands)
- Jolie Brise (UK)
- Pride of Baltimore II (USA)
- Atyla (Vanuatu)
- Europa (The Netherlands)
- Vahine (Finland)
- Spaniel (Latvia)
- Gulden Leeuw (The Netherlands)
- Alexander von Humboldt II (Germany)
- Rona II (UK)
- Blue Clipper (UK)
- Regina Germania (Germany)
- Peter von Danzig (Germany)
- When and If (USA) (Retired)
- Spirit of South Carolina (USA) (Retired)
- HMCS Oriole (Canada) (Retired)
Note: Positions and placings are correct at time of writing. Check out YB Satellite Tracking for the latest information.
The Latest From Sail Training International’s Comms officer
We caught up with Sail Training International Comms Officer Mal Riley, and he gave us this update:
“Race Control monitors the fleet’s positions and passes on any vital communications to the fleet. Unusually, Race Control is not only not in the race but not even going to the same port. Race Control is on board the Dutch vessel Wylde Swan (The Netherlands) which is going to Halifax, Nova Scotia.
“The strong wind conditions that led to the race start being delayed caused the abandonment of a yacht that was taking part in a race to Bermuda: crew were rescued and are safe. Oosterschelde (The Netherlands) came across the abandoned vessel and warned the fleet of its position. A day later, Gulden Leeuw (The Netherlands) sighted and recovered a life raft that, once recovered, was found to be from the same abandoned vessel.
“Weather conditions have been varied with too much wind to start, then good winds for sailing. However, a two-day hiatus of next to no wind saw much of the fleet drifting. Wylde Swan (The Netherlands) (which was motoring in the glassy conditions came across Blue Clipper (UK), Jolie Brise (UK) and Peter von Danzig (Germany) wallowing in the light conditions.
“Now with good winds (west to southwest of 25kts) across the fleet, vessels are flying to the waypoint and finish line. Perfect wind conditions for Class A vessels have seen some achieve high speeds.”
Mal Riley, Sail Training International Comms Officer
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 4 (from Boston to Gulf of Saint Lawrence Ports) 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.
Photos: Oosterschelde (The Netherlands) before leaving Bermuda to take part in Race 3 of the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta (featured image and banner image, courtesy of Valery Vasilevsky).