The first race of the Three Festivals Tall Ships Regatta 2018 has got off to a challenging start as the wind conditions have proven unfavourable to the square-rigged ships… But one Class C yacht has rocketed ahead.
Here’s what Race Chairman, Paul Bishop, had to say about the developments in the race so far.
“The fleet has made slow progress over the past 24 hours since the start off Liverpool in the light and variable headwinds. The conditions have been particularly unfavourable for the square-rigged ships as they struggle to make headway up the Isle of Man eastern coast.
The modern-rigged vessels are better suited to these conditions and have faired better with Sir Stelios (UK) breaking through a favourable tidal gate in the north before it turned to slow and left her rivals behind. She has romped into first place overall.
Looking at the weather, the forecast is to continue to be light for tomorrow. This will more slow progress for the square-riggers whilst Sir Stelios (UK) can, and likely will, consolidate her lead. Sometimes in offshore sailing the conditions are such when the rich get richer whilst the poor get poorer. The crews will be working hard tonight for every mile of progress in these conditions.”
Race Chairman, Paul Bishop, Sail Training International
LATEST STANDING ON CORRECTED TIME (HANDICAP):
CLASS A
- Morgenster (Netherlands)
- Pelican of London (UK)
- Belem (France)
- Lord Nelson (UK)
CLASS B
- Maybe (UK)
- Belle Poule (France)
- Atyla (Vanuatu)
CLASS C
- Sir Stelios (UK)
- City of London (UK)
- Adventure Wales (UK)
- Juan de Langara (Spain)
Note: Positions and placings are correct at time of writing. Check out YB Satellite Tracking for the latest information.
ABOUT THE three festivals TALL SHIPS Regatta 2018
The Three Festivals Tall Ships Regatta is a two-leg event across three sea areas will take place in north-west Europe. Liverpool, United Kingdom (U.K.) will be the start port, then vessels will race to Dublin, Republic of Ireland (R.O.I), and onto Bordeaux, France. The Regatta will see an international fleet of Tall Ships undertake a voyage across the Irish Sea, Celtic Sea and Bay of Biscay.
Any Tall Ships Regatta is a spectacular event for visitors and crew alike, and the Three Festivals Tall Ships Regatta 2018 is no exception. Each stop on the regatta route will coincide with major celebrations as Liverpool marks the ten year anniversary of their year as the European capital of culture and Bordeaux hold the leading European wine festival, Bordeaux Fête le Vin.
FOLLOW THE FLEET
Watch the action as it happens and follow the fleet’s progress using YB Satellite Tracking.
Photo:Lord Nelson (UK) makes her way to the race start line following the Parade of Sail in Liverpool, UK.