Race two, report three: first vessels cross the finish line today

The first vessels in the second race leg of The Tall Ships Races 2014, from Bergen, Norway to Esbjerg, Denmark are due to cross the finish line late afternoon (Wednesday 30 July 2014).

Paul Bishop, Race Director, Sail Training International said, äóìThere is some really good racing and lots of ships in close proximity surging ahead. The leading group of six vessels are benefiting from some great sailing conditions and are all currently sailing in excess of eight knots.

“Tomidi (Belgium) has retained her lead at the front of the fleet and is due to cross the finish line around 17:00 (UTC) tonight if the wind conditions stay as they are, but it is by no means certain that she will gain line honours as Antwerp Flyer (Belgium), Gigi (UK), Spaniel (Latvia) and Esprit (Germany) are all close behind.

“Christian Radich (Norway) has retained her lead, both on corrected time and on the water in Class A, and is to the west of her rivals but Statsraad Lehmkuhl (Norway) is closing the gap on the inside (east) as she has more favourable winds at this time. Gulden Leeuw (Netherlands) and Eendracht (Netherlands) are also close by with the two brigs, Morgenster (Netherlands) and Fryderyk Chopin (Poland) just behind them. 

“Atlantica (Sweden) remains in front in Class B with Rupel (Belgium) and Liv (Norway) close behind her having been racing side by side within sight of each other all morning.”

“The wind is forecast to increase from the west to north west over the next 24 hours which should make a fast and exciting finish for the front-runners.”

The position report shows:

Class A

1 Christian Radich (Norway)

2 Stasraad Lehmkhul (Norway)

3 Gulden Leeuw (Netherlands)

Class B

1 Liv (Norway)

2 Rupel (Belgium)

3 Atlantica (Sweden)

Class C

1 St Iv (Estonia)

2 Wilhelmstad (Poland)

3 Hosanna (France)

Class D

1 Gigi (UK) 

2 Urani