Thousands of visitors again flocked to Royal Greenwich,UK, for the third day of the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta as the London borough continued to showcase the Tall Ships in spectacular fashion…
With visitors being entertained by street artists, live music and dance performances alongside the beautiful Tall Ships, we took to the waves to interview some trainees from Rona II (UK) before they set sail to Sines, Portugal.
Oisin Cullen, 16
HAVE YOU SAILED BEFORE?
Yes, I have sailed around 1,000 Nautical Miles before this race. I also own a lazer dinghy I race out of my home port, Dublin.
WHY DID YOU APPLY?
I love sailing and wanted to experience this amazing and challenging race.
HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE CHALLENGE OF SAILING?
I’m always up for a challenge. I love sailing offshore and inshore and really enjoy the exhilaration of it all and the thrill when things go wrong!
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO?
Crossing the Bay of Biscay for the first time will be very special.
WHAT ARE YOU LEAST LOOKING FORWARD TO?
The close quarters on board the ship and the lack of showers will be a real challenge.
Alex Carey, 16
HAVE YOU SAILED BEFORE?
Yes.
WHY DID YOU APPLY?
For the opportunity to try something new, to learn new skills and further develop my own character.
HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE CHALLENGE OF SAILING?
I think it’s something to just go for. I will be sure to try my hardest and make sure I get as much enjoyment out of the experience as possible.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO?
Being at the helm during night watches, it will be so calming.
WHAT ARE YOU LEAST LOOKING FORWARD TO?
Cleaning the heads!
Jorden Tappenden, 18
HAVE YOU SAILED BEFORE?
Yes, but only for less than two weeks in total.
WHY DID YOU APPLY?
Because it’s from the Tall Ships Races! So many amazing skills to be learned, and lots of fun to be had.
HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE CHALLENGE OF SAILING?
I really enjoy pushing the boat out (pardon the pun) with regards to breaking mental boundaries, so challenges and night sails can come at me!
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO?
I am most looking forward to the opportunities and skills I am going to take away from this amazing experience.
WHAT ARE YOU LEAST LOOKING FORWARD TO?
Getting off the boat!
Letters of encouragement for an inspirational Trainee
When we recently interviewed Canadian trainee, Catheryne Langford, ahead of her voyage in the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta, we were amazed by her brilliant fund raising activities. So when we heard she had boarded Blue Clipper (UK), the ship she would be sailing on to Sines, Portugal, we thought we would jump on board and catch up.
As part of Catheryne’s fund raising activities, she visited a number of premier and secondary schools in her local area to talk to students and help inspire them and teach them the benefits of an entrepreneurial attitude. The students were so inspired by Catheryne’s visits that they sent her a huge number of messages of encouragement. Each letter contained messages of good luck and thanks, to make sure Catheryne has the confidence at sea to succeed in her epic journey!
ABOUT THE RENDEZ-VOUS 2017 TALL SHIPS REGATTA
The Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta is truly the adventure of a lifetime. The event covers 10,000 nautical miles, visits seven different countries – UK, Portugal, Canary Islands, Bermuda, USA, Canada, France – and cruises to over 30 beautiful Canadian guest ports.The event celebrates the 150th anniversary of the Canadian Confederation through its founders and founding provinces, which is a unique chance to commemorate the rich history of sailing in Canada and around the world.Up to 40 vessels will be crossing the North Atlantic Ocean and you could be on one of them!
WHAT’S NEXT?
Want to get involved with the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta? 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.
