Race conditions continued to favour the Tall Ships Races 2017 fleet overnight, and almost all vessels have now crossed the finish line of Race 2, from Turku, to Klaipeda…
Race Director, Mike Bowles, explained how the sailing conditions had led to the fleet making a much faster passage than expected and how the next Host Port city of Klaipeda was accommodating the early arrivals.
“Race 2 of the Tall Ships Races 2017 experienced stronger winds than had been anticipated which resulted in a very fast passage for many vessels. Several are already berthed in Klaipeda and others are waiting to come in, as and when berths are available. It has been a challenge for the Klaipeda Harbour Authority as many of the berths to be used are in the commercial harbour and had not been planned for use this early.
“The Authority is however coping well and ships are being accommodated as quickly as possible. Some others are remaining at sea for the time being and will be continuing to provide sail training experiences to their trainees. A few vessels have gone into the Latvian port of Liepaja.
“We are all looking forward to an excellent port visit in Klaipeda, a town bustling with activity as the Tall Ships Race fleet is sharing the limelight with the Klaipeda Sea Festival of 2017 – it promises to be quite an event!”
Race Director, Mike Bowles, Sail Training International
LATEST STANDING ON CORRECTED TIME (HANDICAP):
CLASS A
- Tre Kronor af Stockholm (Sweden)
- Royalist (UK)
- Shtandart (Russia)
CLASS B
- Ingo (Sweden)
- Kapitan Borchardt (Poland)
- Ihana (Finland)
CLASS C
- Black Diamond of Durham (UK)
- Emely (Poland)
- St Iv (Estonia)
CLASS D
Note: Positions and placings are correct at time of writing. Check out YB Satellite Tracking for the latest information.
News from the crew of Urania
“After a rough night, the 3rd race day started. There was a difference between the first two and today. The sea became a bit rough and that made it difficult to sail, and also the sun did not shine. However, it didn’t stop us from sailing.
“The race started at Monday in the afternoon and we crossed the finish line on Wednesday morning. We crossed the finish line earlier than expected. We are not allowed to go into the harbour yet so we have to sail around the coast of Klaipeda, until we are allowed to enter the territorial sea.
“Everyone is excited to go on land and do some sightseeing in Klaipeda. Some of us went there before, but the most of us didn’t. We hope that we have a great time at Klaipeda. We have a few days there before we go home and have our last week at school before summer break.”
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 the final race leg, from Klaipeda, Lithuania, to Szczecin, Poland. 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 posting photos and videos throughout the event.
Photos: The Tall Ships fleet make quick passage during Race 2 of the Tall Ships Races 2017.