Race two, Report Eight: Race time limit approaching

As of this evening’s communication schedule, there remains only one vessel across the line, Akela (Russia) though Sea Adventure (Bulgaria) – pictured at the start line – is very close.  

Atyla (Netherlands) – having retired – and Akela are now safely alongside in Constanta, with Sea Adventure expected to join them this evening (Thurs 22 May) with the majority of the rest of the fleet due in from early tomorrow.  The three Class A’s at the rear of the fleet will begin motoring as soon as the time limit is reached at 0200hrs local time tomorrow (Fri 23 May) and are expected to arrive in Constanta in good time for the start of the event.  

Current positions are as follows: 

Class A – on corrected time

1st Royal Helena (Bulgaria) 

2nd Nadezhda (Russia)

3rd Mir (Russia)

Class B – on corrected time

1st Johanna Lucretia (UK) – and first overall

2nd Bodrum (Turkey) 

3rd Adornate (Romania) 

Class C – on corrected time

1st Akela (Russia) – and second overall

2nd  Sea Adventure (Bulgaria) 

The wind is predominately NE10 -15 knots towards the finish line and easterly further east.  The wind is due to reduce in the next 12 hours and by Friday morning will have disappeared almost completely.

Yesterday (Weds 21 May) the race committee decided that, in order for all the fleet to be in port by mid-day local time on Saturday 24 May, the race time limit will be brought forward by 24 hrs.  The new race time limit will be 0200 hrs local Friday 23 May for Class A and 0230 hrs for Class B and C.  

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 raced from Varna (Bulgaria) to Novorossiysk (Russia), including one Ukranian and seven Russian ships. 12 are now racing from Sochi (Russia) to Constanta (Romania). 

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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.

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