Fleet depart Toulon
The fleet have begun to depart Toulon this morning after four days of festivities with approximately one million visitors to the quaysides. Royal Helena (Bulgaria) – pictured – was the first to undock, watched by hundreds of early visitors. They will then gather for the Parade of Sail, the traditional way in which the fleet departs and says thank you for the host port’s hospitality. Spectators will be able to view the ships from many vantage points along the ten mile route, finishing at around mid-day close to Cap d’Armes, Il de Porquerolles.
The Race Committee are monitoring the weather conditions and forecast for later today, which currently predicts a force 4-5 at the start line with wind decreasing steadily for the following 12 hours.
Race Two (Toulon to La Spezia) is scheduled to commence at 17.00hrs local 5 nm south of Cap d’d’Armes 42Á 54’N 006Á 12’E and finish 44Á 01’N 09Á 51’E (135ÁT from Isla del Tinto Light for a distance of up to 5nm).
Full results from Race One can be seen here
Lycamobile – title sponsor of the Mediterranean Tall Ships Regatta
Gaastra – official clothing supplier to the Mediterranean Tall Ships Regatta
– ends –
For more details please contact Pauline Appleby, Media Manager, on pauline.appleby@sailtraininginternational.org Tel: +44(0) 7785 567487
Editor’ notes:
A word from your sponsor
Lycamobile is the world’ favourite international SIM card. With over 30 million customers across 16 countries, it allows customers to benefit from fantastic, low rates to call their friends and family abroad.
Lycamobile is delighted to be sponsoring this year’ Lycamobile Mediterranean Tall Ships Regatta, with its mission to connect to global communities.
If you need to call your family and friends during the Regatta please look out for their stand space portside in Barcelona, Toulon and La Spezia.
What is sail training?
Sail Training is an adventure activity, which includes far more than sailing instruction. Participants are required to confront demanding challenges, both physical and emotional. It is an activity that inspires self-confidence and personal responsibility. It promotes an acceptance of others, whatever their social or cultural backgrounds, and develops a willingness to take controlled risks. Those who undertake Sail Training on Tall Ships generally find it a positive life-changing experience.
A two-minute film can be seen here.
About Sail Training International (STI)
STI is the international voice of Sail Training, a registered charity (not-for-profit organisation), which has worldwide membership and activities. Its purpose is the development and education of young people through the Sail Training experience, regardless of nationality, culture, religion, gender or social background. It organises the annual Tall Ship Races and other international Tall Ship sailing events. STI members are 29 national Sail Training organisations around the world and STI’ head office is in Gosport, Hampshire, UK.
The organisation was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize 2007 for its work in promoting international understanding and friendship.