The day began as predicted with thick fog hanging over the port of Falmouth, bringing an ethereal atmosphere as ensigns were raised and disappeared from sight.
The dockside was eerily quiet and still as many of the crews took advantage of an unscheduled rest-day while others took advantage of the additional time available for valuable training. When the fog lifted Juan de Langara (Spain) and Maybe (UK) headed out for a short training session before returning to their berths. The ships will now remain safely in their berths as ‘Storm Betty’ blows through this evening before early departures from the port as conditions allow. One at a time and under motor, they will make their way straight to the virtual Race Start area, approximately five miles offshore.
Unlike a traditional physical Race Start, which sees the Tall Ships fleet cross a start line between two vessels, a virtual Race Start provides set co-ordinates for ships to pass and begin the race. With co-ordinates set, in this instance the fleet have been given a window of four hours to start. This enables a safe and controlled start to the race and they will then be able to set their course for A Coruna.
We all wish the fleet fair winds and following seas after four fabulous days in Falmouth.
You can follow the fleet and watch their progress by clicking on the link below.
ABOUT THE TALL SHIPS RACES MAGELLAN-ELCANO
The Tall Ships Races Magellan-Elcano sees an international fleet of Tall Ships and Small Ships take in the Channel and Iberian Penninsula, visiting Falmouth (15-18 August), A Coruna (24-27 August), Lisbon (31 August -3 September), finishing in Cadiz (7-10 September)
The Tall Ships Races Magellan-Elcano series celebrates the first circumnavigation of the world by Ferdinand Magellan and Sebastian Elcano over 500 years ago. As with every edition of The Tall Ships Races, the series offers a range of sailing experiences for trainees and crews.