Goodbye Waterford

Waterford awoke early this morning  to bid farewell to the Tall Ships in the Parade of Sail as a fleet of 40 headed for the start of The Tall Ships Races 2011.

Under a light south easterly wind, Class A vessels crossed the line from 1500hrs and it wasn’t long before Russian vessel Mir took-up the lead closely followed by Polish vessel Pogoria.

All 40 vessels started on time and are heading to the south east of Ireland following a decision to change the race course due to weather conditions in the Atlantic.

Paul Bishop, Race Director, commented: äóìThe favourable breeze which didn’t exist in 2005 ensured the fleet got off to a great start.  The event in Waterford has been fantastic this year which was also supported by the Captains who demonstrated excellent seamanship helping to ensure a successful and safe start to Race One.äó

First to cross the line in each class:

Class A: Pogoria, Poland

Class B: Johanna Lucretia, UK

Class C: Dar Szczecina, Poland

Class D: Tomidi, Belgium