Halifax, Nova Scotia and the fleet of the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta said a heartfelt fond farewell after enjoying mutual warmth and wonderful hospitality over the last few days. And the final Canadian Outport Program and final race to Le Havre, France got underway.
Thousands of people lined the waterfront to see the fleet of the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta proudly parade before the spectators. Many carried full sail, played music, danced, waved and saluted as they passed the Maritime Museum South Wharf as a thank you to the people of Halifax for their incredible welcome to the international fleet. And cannons were fired in return! The Parade was led by the iconic Canadian Tall Ship Bluenose II and accompanied by everyone’s favourite little tug boat – Theodore Too.
After the parade the fleet increased its speed and set off for one of three new destinations. Eleven of the fleet made their way to the race start point to prepare for the start of the final Transatlantic race to the final port of the whole event – Le Havre in France. Others made their way to visit more Canadian ports as part of the Outport Program and some left the event to pursue new sailing adventures.
Race Five – the final leg of this epic event, which started in April – is around 2,500 nautical miles and will take several weeks to complete. When the fleet reaches France the jubilant crews will celebrate the ports 500th anniversary and the conclusion of the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta – five months later.
Race Start
First across the start line for the Class As was Gulden Leeuw (Netherlands) followed by Oosterchelde (Netherlands) and then Alexander von Humboldt II (Germany). In the B,C,D class Rona II (UK) flew across the start line within seconds of the horn being sounded for their start gate, closely followed by Jolie Brise (UK) and in third place Vahine (Finland).
Robin Snouck-Hurgronje, Sail Training International Race Chairman reports on the start of Race 5.
“The race start went well under perfect conditions. However, these conditions are only predicted to last for the immediate start window of the race and over the coming days the Sail Training International Race Committee will be monitoring the weather and its impact on the progress of the fleet.
“If we can see that the lack of sufficient wind is impacting on the progress of the fleet across the Atlantic we have the option of stopping the race and allowing the use of motor until sufficient wind resumes. We will then restart the race as soon as it is appropriate to do so. This will avoid the fleet being stuck in an extended area of calm, and ensure that all vessels in the race have an equal and fair chance of finishing in time for the festivities in Le Havre.
”Although everyone has had an incredible experience in this event, all sailors have a desire to return home after a long voyage and our European ships are keen to make good progress to home shores, friends and family.”
news from the crews: Rona II vs jolie brise
Not only was Rona II first across the start line in Class B, C and D they are the first vessel to send in a race report to let us know how things are going so far.
“The Halifax Parade of Sail was an epic and fun start to Race 5. Perfect weather and a happy crowd, even happier when Rona II and Jolie Brise deviated slightly from the planned route around Halifax Harbour in order to get “up close and personal” with the crowds, the former’s 23-strong crew providing (bad) dancing, chants and other amusements for those watching, including dropping dead on the deck when saluted by the review cannon.
“From everyone in the fleet, huge thanks to the organisers, to STI, the Waterfront Development authorities, and most especially the liaison officers and people of Halifax, who made us all feel so welcome. We hope our parade antics were appreciated!
“Fourteen hours into the race, as so often is the case, Rona II and Jolie Brise are joined at the hip, tacking on the shifts and each desperately trying to break from the other. On board Rona II we have had eight sail changes already.
“As a pair we are attempting to sail more south, a longer route to waypoint one, in order to benefit from the (slightly) stronger winds that are forecast to the south. It’ll be a day before we know how that tactic has played out.
“In the meantime, Rona II has celebrated three birthdays and an unofficial third “Queen’s Birthday”, with Union Flag bunting around the cabin and Her Majesty’s portrait prominently displayed. Dinner was apparently served by HRH Prince Charles and his sons, although the masks did slip occasionally, and dinner ended with the National Anthem.
“Today we have another two birthdays to celebrate… oh dear, more cake!”
Follow the Fleet
Watch the action as it happens and follow the fleet’s progress using YB Satellite Tracking.
Banner and feature image: Jolie Brise (UK) at the race start – Valery Vasilevskiy. Photos from the Parade of Sail and Race Start can be seen on the Sail Training International Facebook page here and the Best of Halifax Photo Gallery Blog here.
