Race Two, Report One: Sedov takes early lead

Favourable winds overnight have helped the fleet make good progress on their way to Waypoint 1.   

Current positions as of this morning’s communication schedule are as follows:

Class A – on corrected time

1st Sedov (Russia)

2nd  Nadezhda (Russia)

3rd  Royal Helena (Bulgaria)

Class B – on corrected time

1st  Johanna Lucretia (UK)

2nd  Bodrum (Turkey)

3rd  Adornate (Romania)

Class C – on corrected time

1st  Akela (Russia)

2nd  Sea Adventure (Bulgaria)

First on the water is Nadezhda (Russia), closely followed by Akela (Russia) who, in common with most of the fleet, are both sailing close to the rhum line.  At this early stage most vessels are sailing in quite a compact group, apart from Johanna Lucretia (UK) who has chosen a more northerly route. 

Wind appears to be NNW 10-15 knots, decreasing and backing westerly during the day and decreasing further overnight.  

You can follow the fleet on the Yellow Brick system by clicking on this link.  Tracking the ships in this way well illustrates the dilemma the captains face when wind shifts occur, with yesterday evening’s tracking making fascinating viewing.  

Pic: Current leader Sedov (Russia) heading to the start line with Sochi in the distance

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).

ends

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.

For more information about the event visit Sail Training International

Sovcomflot (SCF)

SCF is the lead sponsor of The SCF Black Sea Tall Ships Regatta, 30 April – 27 May 2014, and was previously sponsor of The Tall Ships Races 2009. Sovcomflot Gr