Small Ship Big Adventure

One of the early arrivals into Barcelona this morning was Akela – the Russian 13m Bermudan Sloop based in St Petersberg.  One of the smaller vessels in the sail training fleet, she has travelled over 5000 miles since leaving her home port earlier in the year to join the Tall Ships Race around the Baltic in the summer.  When the Lycamobile Mediterranean Tall Ships Regatta finishes in La Spezia she will head off to Bulgaria (Varna) for the winter.  

Visitors to the port area have been able to see many ships coming in this morning, including Russian ship Mir and Portuguese ship Santa Maria Manuela.  

The Regatta officially opens tomorrow (Saturday) and will last for four days until fleet leave to race to Toulon.  

Lycamobile – title sponsor of the Mediterranean Tall Ships Regatta

Gaastra – official clothing supplier to the Mediterranean Tall Ships Regatta

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For more details please contact Pauline Appleby, Media Manager, on pauline.appleby@sailtraininginternational.org Tel: +44(0) 7785 567487

Editor’ notes:

A word from your sponsor

Lycamobile is the world’ favourite international SIM card. With over 30 million customers across 16 countries, it allows customers to benefit from fantastic, low rates to call their friends and family abroad.

Lycamobile is delighted to be sponsoring this year’ Lycamobile Mediterranean Tall Ships Regatta, with its mission to connect to global communities.  

If you need to call your family and friends during the Regatta please look out for their stand space portside in Barcelona, Toulon and La Spezia.   

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.

A two-minute film can be seen here.

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 Ship 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.