Race One, Report Three: Fleet well spread across the western reaches of the Black Sea

The SCF Black Sea Tall Ships Regatta fleet is now well spread across the western reaches of the Black Sea, between Varna and Waypoint 1, south of Crimea.

Current positions (all on corrected time) are as follows:

Class A

1st Nadezhda (Russia)

2nd Mir (Russia)

3rd Royal Helena (Bulgaria)

Class B

1st Adornate (Romania) – pictured crossing the start line

2nd Bodrum (Turkey)

3rd Johanna Lucretia (UK)

Class C/D

1st Sea Adventure (Bulgaria)

2nd Akela (Russia)

3rd Viking (Russia)

Akela is following the rhum line and has pulled significantly ahead of the rest of the fleet, approaching Waypoint 1. Though ahead on the water, she lies 2nd overall on corrected time (taking into account individual ratings).

Nadezhda and Mir continue to sail in close proximity, with Nadezhda consistently being slightly ahead. Mircea (Romania) and Kruzenshtern (Russia) are also taking a close path, though Kruzenshtern now looks to be heading a little further south. Meanwhile Sedov (Russia) is chasing Royal Helena and is a similar distance from Waypoint 1 as most of the Class A’s. 

The wind is light at the moment across the whole fleet but is due to continue to veer northwards and increase, particularly towards the rear of the fleet, which will help give those at the back a chance to catch up with the front runners.   

You can follow the fleet on the Yellow Brick system by clicking on this link.

29 sail training vessels entered the SCF Black Sea Tall Ships Regatta, with 17 having arrived in Varna to take part, including one Ukranian and seven Russian ships. Most of them are racing from Varna (Bulgaria) to Novorossiysk (Russia) before cruising to Sochi (Russia), from where they will race the final leg to Constanta (Romania).

ends

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 Ships 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.   www.sailtraininginternational.org

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.

For more information about the event visit Sail Training International 

Sovcomflot (SCF)

 SCF is the lead sponsor of The SCF Black Sea Tall Ships Regatta, 30 April – 27 May 2014, and was previously sponsor of The Tall Ships Races 2009.  Sovcomflot Group is Russia’s largest shipping company and one of the world’s