Race report 16: A good start and good progress

Paul Bishop, the Race Director reported äóìThe race start went ahead as scheduled yesterday off Ventspils in a light north east wind; in what was one of the closest ever grouped race starts for Class A, they all crossed within the start gate of 15 minutes although two ships crossed the line just ahead of the start gun at 16:00 UTC (19:00 LT) and accepted a Standard Time Penalty of two hours and 45 minutes.

“The Captains and navigators have had a busy night analysing their strategies as wind forecasts have been changing. The majority of them have decided to go to the west of the rhumb line (most direct course) in anticipation of the wind veering around to the west and then north west. Several vessels have decided to take a ‘flyer’ and go to the east – the next few race reports will be fascinating to see which strategy will pay off.äó

The placings at 05:00UTC/GMT are:

Class A

1st   Statsraad Lehmkuhl (Norway)

2nd  Tre Kronor af Stockholm (Sweden)

3rd Christian Radich (Norway)

Class B

1st Johanna Lucretia (UK)

2nd Vega (Sweden)

3rd Wyvern av Aalesund (Norway)

Class C

1st Sharki (Poland)

2nd Rzeszowiak (Poland)

3rd St Iv (Estonia

Class D

1st Akela (Russia)

2nd Osprey (UK)

3rd Gigi (UK)

– ends –

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

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For further information contact Sally Titmus, Communications and Marketing Manager, Sail Training International +44 (0)23 9258 6367, mobile +44 (0)7827 298733 sally.titmus@sailtraininginternational.org