Forecasted light winds haven’t hampered the Tall Ships sailing from Sunderland to Esbjerg as a thrilling race has developed across the fleet in Race One of The Tall Ships Races 2018.
Following a stunning race start five miles off the coast of Sunderland in which Fryderyk Chopin (Poland) gained advantage by crossing the start line first, a thrilling race has developed with Mir (Russia) and Helena (Finland) battling it out less than 100 miles from the finish line.
“Mir (Russia) has sailed a phenomenal race since she crossed the start line on Saturday (14 July) and has kept her lead both overall on Corrected Time (CT) – and ‘on the water’ – with less than 60 miles to the finish line. Helena (Finland) is in hot pursuit five miles behind, but is closing in as the light headwinds favour her Bermudan schooner rig.
“There is a good chance that she will steal ‘line honours’ from Mir in the closing stages and will be first to cross the line. However, Mir is still looking good for taking first overall on CT which would be an awesome achievement.
“The top places in Class B are incredibly close with Stina Mari (Norway) just four minutes behind Helena (Finland) and Jolie Brise (UK) in third position. Hosanna (France) leads in Classes C & D with Black Diamond of Durham (UK) in second and Tuulelind (Estonia) in third on CT but this might change as they close the finish line.
“The wind is forecast to become light and unpredictable in the closing stages for the front-runners which will require a final huge effort in team work, sail handling and cunning tactics from all on board to ensure podium places for their vessels at the prize giving here in Esbjerg on Thursday.”
Sail Training International Race Director, Paul Bishop
LATEST POSITION – ON CORRECTED TIME (HANDICAP)
CLASS A
- Mir (Russia)
- Fryderyk Chopin (Poland)
- Sorlandet (Norway)
CLASS B
- Stina Mari (Norway)
- Jolie Brise (UK)
- Wyvern (Norway)
CLASS C & D
- Hosanna (France)
- Black Diamond of Durham (UK)
- Tuulelind (Estonia)
FOLLOW THE FLEET LIVE WITH YB TRACKING
Once again, you will be able to follow the Tall Ships fleet as they make their way along the race routes thanks to the YB satellite tracking system. You can keep up to date with who is leading each race leg and ensure you miss none of the sailing action.
Each participating ship in the Races is fitted with a YB satellite transponder, a self-contained battery operated tracker which allows tracking of a vessel’s position from anywhere on earth. All vessels taking part in the Races are equipped with one so spectators can follow the fleet – anytime, anywhere – as they sail from Sunderland, UK, to Esbjerg, Denmark, Stavanger, Norway, and finish in Harlingen, Netherlands.
ABOUT THE TALL SHIPS RACES 2018
Participating in The Tall Ships Races 2018 is a fantastic experience that you can take part in too! There’s zero experience necessary and there are places are available on ships across the fleet on the remaining Cruise-in-Company and Race Two legs. There’s no need to wait – just do it!
Sunderland, UK 11 July – 14 July
RACE 1
Esbjerg, Denmark 18 July – 21 July
Stavanger, Norway 26 July – 29 July
Harlingen, Netherlands 3 August – 6 August