Historic event as Tall Ships approach Cape Horn
For the first time since the last Grain Race in 1949, Tall Ships have been racing across the Southern Ocean bound for Cape Horn.
The three Dutch ships, Europa, Oosterschelde and Tecla left New Zealand nearly four weeks ago after successfully competing in Sail Training International’ Sydney to Auckland Tall Ships Regatta. During their passage, the Southern Ocean has lived up to its awe-inspiring reputation and the ships have experienced severe gales, high seas and snow.
Europa is leading the way and is expecting to round Cape Horn tomorrow morning (Saturday 30 November). Tecla and Oosterchelde are some several hundred miles astern but have been fairly evenly matched with each other over the 3,500 miles that they have sailed since leaving Auckland.
A few days ago they were actually in sight of each other, the only sign of mankind their crews had seen outside of their own vessels for weeks. Tecla has since sailed ahead of Oosterschelde but there is still a long way to go to their destination – the Falkland Islands – and plenty of opportunity for change.
See the adventure unfold on live tracking here
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Photo: Europa
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For more information contact Sally Titmus, Communications and Marketing Manager, Sail Training International, Charles House, Gosport Marina, Mumby Road, Gosport, Hampshire, UK PO12 1AH Tel: +44 (0) 23 9258 6367 Email: sally.titmus@sailtraininginternational.org
Editor’ notes:
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.
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.
Website: Sail Training International
Facebook: Sail Training International
