There were further updates to the final race of the Tall Ships Races 2018 as the weather continued to impact sailing conditions in the North Sea…
Following analysis of the weather forecasts for the duration of Race 2, the Tall Ships Races Race Committee have made further adjustments to the race course. This decision was taken in order to provide a safe sailing route from Stavanger to Harlingen for the Tall Ships fleet.
On Saturday (28 July) forecasted head winds of 30-35 knots led to the Race Committee utilising a virtual race start line for the fleet. With winds set to drop dramatically in the latter half of the week, the finish line has also been amended and a new Finish at Sea time limit has been introduced.
Taking into account the key race factors of fleet safety, sea strength, and required Host Port arrival times, the decision has been made to bring forward the finish time to 0600 UTC on 1 August. This will allow vessels to make their way through lighter winds and less favourable sailing conditions to Harlingen in good time.
Sail Training International Race Director, Ben Stuart, had the following to say about the change to the race finish.
“With the new race time limit of 0600 UTC on 1 August, we hope to provide the fleet with the chance to enjoy invigorating, fast paced, sailing.
“As the winds lighten and conditions become less favourable, the decision to bring in a finish at sea will ensure the fleet are able to arrive in Harlingen in good time for what is sure to be a fantastic Dutch welcome.”
Sail Training International Race Director, Ben Stuart
Following a thrilling start to the race, the crews have made good progress sailing south through the North Sea as they head to the final Host Port of Harlingen, the Netherlands.
LATEST POSITION – ON CORRECTED TIME (HANDICAP)
CLASS A
- Statsraad Lehmkuhl (Norway)
- Fryderyk Chopin (Poland)
- Sorlandet (Norway)
CLASS B
- Rupel (Belgium)
- Morning Star of Revelation (UK)
- Vega Gamleby (Sweden)
CLASS C & D
- Tara (Denmark)
- Hosanna (France)
- Dar Szczecina (Poland)
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.
What’s Next?
The Tall Ships Races 2018 is one of many Tall Ships events organised by us here at Sail Training International that you can take part in! Want to get involved in one of our events? There’s no experience necessary and there are lots of events coming up in 2018 and 2019. Take a look at the SCF Far East Tall Ships Regatta 2018 or next year’s Liberty Tall Ships Regatta or Tall Ships Races 2019. There’s also the Black Sea Tall Ships Regatta 2019. A sail training voyage is a once in a lifetime experience – so don’t wait, just do it!
