Race report 2: Four new top placed positions

Overnight four new entries have entered the top three positions in all four classes of The Tall Ships Races 2013 – Statsraad Lehmkuhl (Norway), Jens Krogh (Denmark), Gaudeamus (Poland) and Akela (Russia).

The top three placings in all four classes are:

Class A

1 Tre Kronor af Stockholm (Sweden)

2 Statsraad Lehmkuhl (Norway) 

3 Christian Radich (Norway)

Class B

1 Constantia (Sweden)

2 Jens Krogh (Denmark) 

3 Wyvern av Aalesund  (Norway)

Class C

1 Gaudeamus (Poland)  

2 St Iv (Estonia) 

3 Sharki (Poland)

Class D

1 Theia (Finland) 

2 Merisissa III (Finland)

3 Akela (Russia) 

Paul Bishop, Race Director said, “This is already turning into a very exciting race with the top placings changing overnight.  The vessel out in front on the water, with the least distance to go to the finish line, is Theia with only 378 miles to go the finish line. Just one mile behind her is Tomidi and Rona II is one mile further behind her.   

“The ships have benefitted from a moderate wind in a good direction overnight;  but the wind is forecast to head them over the next 24 hours, which will slow their progress. The captains will have been intensely analysing their strategies overnight and it is interesting to see that a group of vessels have headed further east. Meanwhile, others have decided to stay close to the rhumb line (most direct route).  

“This difference of tactics will certainly be something to watch over the next few days. The wind is forecast to increase to a strong northerly direction from midnight tonight and then it is due to slowly ease by Sunday midnight. So this will benefit more modern vessels as they tack more easily – but the Class As proficiency of tacking will be put to the test over the coming days.”

– 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 act