The Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta has officially started in Sines, Portugal. At 14:00 this afternoon (Friday 28 April), the festival gates opened to the public. The expectant and excited crowd was eager to catch a glimpse of the impressive fleet, up close and personal for the first time… and the Tall Ships didn’t disappoint.
Over the next three days, visitors will be able to visit these incredible ships… and maybe even climb on board and discover what life at sea is really like for the trainees. The event site is open from 10:00 to 01:00 every day, with a huge number of activities planned, alongside lots of street food stalls and a variety of evening concerts and DJ sets to keep visitors of all ages entertained. And, you’ll be able to cheer on the trainees taking part in crew sports on the beach!
Race 1 Results
At the end of Race 1, the Race Committee can now reveal the official race results. Congratulations to all the ships that took part in an exciting and closely fought race! Here are the results:
Opening Ceremony
The Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta in Sines kicked off in style with a grand opening ceremony at 17:00 this afternoon (Friday 18 April). The event began with music from Escola de Artes, followed by speeches from the Minister of the Sea, Madame Anna Paula Vitorino; Mayor Nuno Mascarenhas; President of ERT, Mr Ceia da Silva; President of APS, Mr Luis Cacho; and President of Portuguese National Sail Training Organisation Aporvela, João Lúcio.
“It is my privilege as the Sail Training International Race Chairman to salute you on this opening day of the the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta here in Sines. I do so with thanks to the Municipality of Sines, the Sines & Algarve Port Administration, the Alentejo Regional Authority of Tourism, your local sponsors, the Portuguese National Sail Training Organisation, Aporvela and the many volunteers who make this event possible.
“Sail training provides an opportunity for young people to develop life skills at sea. It is an adventure activity for people of all ages and abilities, but first and foremost for young people. The trainees learn all aspects of sailing. However, the purpose of sail training goes far beyond practical skills. The main trophy for the entire regatta, which will be presented in the final port Le Havre, is not awarded to the ship that sails fastest, but to the crew who contributes most to international understanding and friendship.
“Sail training uses the experience of being at sea under sail, to help young people learn about themselves, discover hidden strengths and talents, to gain greater confidence, to understand the value of working as a team, and to dare to take a risk. It provides a chance for young people to meet and make friends with other young people from different nationalities, different cultures and religions, and different social backgrounds.
“We all look forward to the exciting programme you have prepared for the crews and for the public. On behalf of Sail Training International I wish you a very successful festival here in Sines.”
Ross MacDonald, Race Chairman, Sail Training International.
About the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta
The Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta is truly the adventure of a lifetime. You could be sailing in the wake of the great explorers, travelling 10,000 nautical miles, visiting seven different countries (UK, Portugal, Canary Islands, Bermuda, USA, Canada, and France), taking part in seven races… and cruising to more than 30 beautiful Canadian guest ports. What are you waiting for?
Follow the Fleet
Watch the action as it happens and follow the fleet’s progress using YB Satellite Tracking.
What’s Next?
Want to get involved with the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta? There are still berths available – secure your place today! Check out our event page for more information. 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: Crew members from Rona II (featured image). Wylde Swan at the Opening Ceremony (banner image, courtesy of Valery Vasilevsky.)
