The Tall Ships Races 2017 Race 1, Report 2: Progress to Kotka Continues

With Race 1 of the Tall Ships Races 2017 the fleet has become more spread out and continues to make good progress towards the finish line in Kotka, Finland…

The wind has continued to be from a southerly direction having picked up again during the night. Now however, it has become lighter with the front runners not making such quick progress.

Here’s Race Director, Mike Bowles, analysis of the race developments.

“Ships at the front are engaged in some keen racing with Helena (Finland), St Iv (Estonia), Akela (Russia), Tuulelind (Estonia), Gigi (UK) and Merisissi 3 (Finland) all vying for positions. There was an interesting choice of route between going west or east of the island of Gotland but the majority of the fleet chose to go to the east.

“Many vessels are now within reach of the finish line – although the race is not yet 3 days old, the predominantly southerly wind direction has meant for a quick passage for some vessels. Once across the finish line they will have the opportunity to visit a port or two before heading in either Finland or Estonia before heading into Kotka where all vessels are required to be by midday on Thursday 13 July.

“Other vessels still have over half the race to go but will continue to race and they have plenty of time to reach the finish line before the cut off time. Overall an interesting race which has seen the variety of routes, progress and speeds which is inevitable with such a mixed fleet! That is one of the joys of the Tall Ships Races.”

Race Director, Mike Bowles, Sail Training International

Latest Standing on Corrected Time (Handicap):

Class D

Tuulelind (Estonia)
Akela (Russia)
Urtica (Poland)

Note: Positions and placings are correct at time of writing. Check out YB Satellite Tracking for the latest information.

Don’t forget you can keep up to date with the Tall Ships fleet this weekend with Race Reports 3 and 4 that will be published on the Sail Training International Facebook page.

News from the Crew of Urania

“‘The tone was set by the delicious smell through the entire ship, because of the pancakes. Music was playing loud and everyone was enjoying the sun. Even the machine that produced our fresh water was feeling the vibe and started working again. Shower time!

“There was just one, quite essential thing that was missing. The wind. With zero knots trough the water and only one over the ground, it would take us about 11 days to get to the finish. It was not as if the other ships were having favorable winds either so it didn’t affect our ranking. Still it felled a bit dull to be just floating, so we were hoping for better times.

“Meanwhile we had enough time to create a game plan for when the wind would show up again. So when it finally happened we were all very eager to put up the sails and go for it. Back on track and ready to get to the finish, way faster than everyone else.”

Follow the Fleet With YB Satellite Tracking

The adventure has only just begun… for trainees and for everyone following the race at home. Each ship is fitted with a YB satellite transponder – a self-contained battery operated tracker which allows you to track a vessel’s position from anywhere on earth.

Using YB Satellite Tracking, you’ll be able to follow the Tall Ships Races 2017 as it makes its way from Halmstad, Swedend, to Kotka, Finland… and in every race toward the end of the event in Szczecin, Poland. You can stay up to date with the latest tactics and race placings… and with our regular race reports, you won’t miss a thing!

Check out our YB Satellite Tracking page to follow the fleet (including instructions and more information). You can also download the YB app for your phone and tablet from the App Store and Google Play Store, which gives you everything from the web version on the go.

ABOUT THE TALL SHIPS rACES 2017

Taking part in The Tall Ships Races 2017 is fun – lots of fun. You can take part too – zero experience necessary. Places are available on ships across the fleet on all race legs. Just do it ?

Halmstad, Sweden 30 June – 3 July

RACE 1

Kotka, Finland 13 July – 16 July

CRUISE-IN-COMPANY

Turku, Finland 20 July – 1 August

RACE 2

Klaipeda, Lithuania 29 July – 1 August

RACE 3

Szczecin, Poland 5 August – 8 August

All five host ports are experienced and boast a total of 11 Tall Ships Races and Regattas between them. Take a look at each of the race pages to see which vessels are taking part. Many are still looking for trainee crew to join them; simply pick a vessel and go their website to book your place. Or email enquiries@sailonboard.com and our helpful team will do all the hard work and help you find the perfect ship for you!

Follow the event on the Sail Training International Facebook page where we will be post photos and videos throughout the event.

Photos: Ocean Scout (UK) at the start of Race 1 of the Tall Ships Races 2017.