Excited crews prepare for Sydney Auckland Tall Ships Regatta
The international Tall Ships fleet racing in the Sydney Auckland Tall Ships Regatta will cross the start line tomorrow (Thursday 10 October) – for the first international Tall Ship Race to be held in the southern hemisphere.
The fleet of seven vessels will be racing one thousand miles across the Tasman Sea to Auckland, New Zealand.
The Tall Ships will undock from Darling Harbour around 1000 (local time) that morning and are expected to reach Middle Head just after midday. The crews will then prepare their ships, and manoeuvre into position, in readiness for the official race start between Sydney’ North and South Heads at 1400, Thursday 10 October. They will be followed by a further seven Tall Ships and many spectator craft from the local sailing community.
Paul Bishop, Race Director, Sail Training International said, äóìSpectators watching from the harbor and foreshore will enjoy an historical and spectacular treat.
äóìCompetition amongst the Tall Ships is expected to be keen and the international captains and crews will be driving their Tall Ships hard all the way to the finish line off the Bay of Islands in New Zealand.
äóìOnce in New Zealand many exciting prizes will be awarded in Auckland at the prize-giving ceremony on Saturday 26 October, including the first ship to cross the finish line and the winning ship on corrected time. This will be calculated using our unique rating (handicap) system that puts Tall Ships on an equal footing and provides all crews with a chance of winning.äó
Stephen Moss, Race Chairman commented, äóìTall Ships from the northern hemisphere rarely visit Australia, and the Australian Sail Training Association is proud to host them as part of our 2013 International Tall Ship Festival – the first such event in a generation, and a unique opportunity to promote sailing and sail training on the national stage.äó
Follow the fleet
All racing ships have individual satellite transponders so their ‘live positions’ can be followed here as the race unfolds.
Meet the crews
Watch video interviews with the crews as the prepare to race here
For more information visit International Tall Ship Festival
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