Rain Keeps Crowds Away

Torrential and persistent rain in Trapani has kept the crowds of public away from the Garibaldi Tall Ships Regatta fleet, except from a hardy few who queued outside Palinuro for a chance to visit the Italian navy ship. 

Most of the crews took the opportunity to sleep in and rest before their departure tomorrow. For a number of ships, however, the more pressing problem is the dilemma of how to get their crews back home and the replacement crews on board following the closure of airspace in northern Europe because of the Icelandic volcano. For many this means having to wait in the hope that flights will resume, while others are making plans to move their trainees via trains and ferries. 

The crew movement problem means that quite a few of the fleet will return to Trapani tomorrow following the parade of sail. Without sufficient crew, one or two vessels say they will unable even to take part in the parade of sail, although it is hoped that crew members from other vessels will transfer in order to lend a hand. 

The weather forecast is looking better for tomorrow so the public are hoping for a fine day to watch the ships as they give thanks to Trapani for hosting them as they sail along past the northern beach to Pta de San Giuliano. The fleet will start to undock at 1215, with Palinuro leading the parade. 

For more images of the Garibaldi Tall Ships Regatta, click here.

For more articles on the Garibaldi Tall Ships Regatta, click here.