Sports day action

While the trainees from the Russian sail training vessel Mir were battling it out for an overall win in the rowing race this morning, the rest of the crew from the 17 ships taking part in the Historical Seas Tall Ships Regatta were on the beach. Not sunbathing but getting lathered up in the highly competitive sports day beach games, which included volleyball, football and tug-of-war.

Dar Mlodziezy (pictured) won the football match after a close battle with Dewaruci and Shabab Oman, while the rest including Alexander Von Humbolt were fighting in out in a close-fought battle in the tug-of-war.

These sorts of team sports events, which take place at every port stopover, are one of the best ways for crews to interact and make friends. The competitive spirit is strong, and the friendly rivalry that extends from port to port, keeps enthusiasm among teams high.

Once the games are over later this afternoon, teams will prepare for the grand Crew Parade through Varna. The 2.5-mile route will give the crowds visiting the city a chance to line the route and see the procession of 100s of crew as they make their way to Anton Novak Square where Race 1 prize giving will take place.

In carnival spirit, crews will then head to the Crew Party at the Festival and Congress Centre where they’ll be able to relax and dance the night away.

Tomorrow, the penultimate day here in Varna, crews will have the chance to recover from their busy schedule over the last few days, while captains head to the Captains’ Briefing to find out details about the Parade of Sail and Race 2, which starts on Monday.

To track the fleet as they race click here. 

To view the current placings of the race click here. 

To view the combined race results of Leg 1 and 2 of Race 1 click here.

The Historical Seas Tall Ships Regatta is organised by Sail Training International.