Race report 1: ‘Amongst one of the most beautiful race starts ever’ for The Tall Ships Races 2014

Sunshine and blue skies accompanied the start of the first leg of The Tall Ships Races 2014 on the North Sea, off the coast of The Netherlands – and six Polish vessels crossed the start line amongst the leaders in their class. 

The fleet had enjoyed a wonderfully warm reception at the start of the race series in Harlingen, which had welcomed over a quarter of a million visitors to its harbour over four days.   And following yesterdays Parade of Sail the fleet sailed 70 nautical miles, through a rainy night, to reach the start line for the first race leg of 340 nautical miles to Fredrikstad, Norway. 

The start area presented the international fleet of 57 vessels with light winds and light cloud cover, together with a slight sea state and moderate swell left over from the windier weather of recent days.

The race officially started at 1200 (local time), Monday 7 July.  After the start cannon on board the race start vessel Friesland was fired, there was a closely contested battle to cross the start line for Class A’. Pogoria (Poland) crossed the line one second ahead of Kapitan Glowacki (Poland), closely followed by Frederyk Chopin (Poland) in third place.  Seven Class A vessels crossed the line taking advantage of the allotted 15 minute start window, with the remaining two thirds of the Class A fleet following close behind.

Leading the Class B fleet was Morning Star of Revelation (UK) whose crew cheered loudly as they crossed close to the starboard end of the start line, with clear water between them and their competitors.  They were followed by Orlander (Poland) in second position and De Gallant (Netherlands) in third position. 

In Class C first over the start line was Roztocze (Poland) followed by Wilhelmstead (Poland).  While in Class D Gigi (UK) crossed the line under spinnaker followed by Urania (Netherlands).

Paul Bishop, Race Director, Sail Training International said, äóìIt was amongst one of the most beautiful race starts we have seen for The Tall Ships Races.  Most vessels spread as much canvas before the following gentle breeze as they could, and it was spectacular to see the fleet in its full glory, in the summer sunshine. No vessels crossed the line early and no time penalities were issued.  

äóìThe popularity of sail training in Poland was evidenced yet again, with six Polish vessels amongst those making the best start in their class.

“Pelican of London (UK) was unable to join race one due to unexpected engine problems.  Zryw (Poland) and Tomidi (Belgium) made a delayed start due to unforeseen technical difficulties, but crossed the start line just hours later.

“Over the next 24 hours the wind will freshen and veer to the north and decrease to a moderate breeze from the north east, leaving the fleet with a nautically challenging race, tacking up wind.” 

Race reports will be issued twice a day – am and pm – for the duration of the race – up until Friday 11 July. Reports will be published on the Sail Training International website here.

Yellow Brick – a satellite tracking system, can be used to follow the fleet – also accessible from the Sail Training International website here.

– ends –

<