Race report 1: The Tall Ships Races 2013 has officially started
Hot sunshine and clear blue skies saw the international fleet of The Tall Ships Races 2013 officially start their race to Helsinki, Finland this morning (Tuesday 9 July). Around one hundred vessels began passing through the start line outside Copenhagen, Denmark following the fleets departure from Aarhus two days ago.
Though the weather was bright, winds were light and many of the vessels were jostling for the best start position. This is the first race leg of The Tall Ships Races 2013. From Helsinki the fleet will Cruise in Company to Riga and then compete in a competitive last leg to the finish port in Szcezcin, Poland.
Class A
- Tre Kronor af Stockholm (Sweden)
- Georg Stage (Denmark)
- Christian Radich (Norway)
Class B
- Wyvern av Aalesund (Norway)
- Utopia (Denmark)
- Constantia (Sweden)
Class C
- Sharki (Poland)
- St Iv (Estonia)
- Magnolia (Poland)
Class D
- Merisissi III (Finland)
- Theia (Finland)
- Tomidi (Belgium)
Variable wind conditions are likely to change the overall current positions in the coming days. Vessels are due to start arriving in Helsinki next week. You can follow the progress of the fleet by reading the twice daily race reports here or follow the fleet here.
How are the race positions reported?
During each race all vessels are required to report their positions twice a day. The vessels report their positions to communications officers, which are then sent on to the Race Director. The Race Director then imports the positions into Sail Training International’ race software programme to calculate the vessels’ progress and far they have left to go. The reports are then uploaded to the STI web site.
How to read the race reports
Select a race from the drop down menu at the top of the page and chose ‘Select’. Once you have selected a race two more drop down menus will appear, one for the report date and time and another for the report sort order. Once you have selected these you press ‘view report’ to load it. If a vessel fails to report its position it will be shown on the report as ‘No report’ and will not be given a position within the race.
Editor’ notes:
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
