Statsraad Lehmkuhl Wins Boston Teapot Trophy

The Norwegian Class A ship, Statsraad Lehmkuhl, has been awarded the Boston Teapot Trophy for their voyage from Newport, Rhode Island, and Horta, Azores Islands.

Their winning voyage saw them sail 1,125 nautical miles with an average speed of 9.1 knots in January 2022, sailing through wintery gales and snowstorms during the passage. The award marks the 9th time Statsraad Lehmkuhl has won the trophy since its inception in 1964.

The trophy was created when two Tall Ships were voyaging back from the US to Europe after the first transatlantic Tall Ships Races, to create competition for their young sail training crews on their journey. Since then, it has been contested annually ever since between some of the best sailed Tall Ships in the world.

At this time, it was decided that a trophy should be awarded for the fastest passage, greatest noon to noon run, or other notable feat. The winning criteria were not worked out until after the vessels had sailed, but it was decided that the trophy should be called “The Boston Teapot”.

To recognise the award, Brooke Bond Tea obtained permission from the Boston Fine Arts Museum to copy a silver teapot which was in use in Boston at the time of “The Tea Party”.

This prestigious trophy has been awarded annually ever since to the vessel that sailed the greatest distance within 124 hours with a sail training crew aboard. The extended time of the voyage helping to counteract any short-term effects of gusty winds and other factors that might provide short peaks of speed.

Everyone at Sail Training International would like to warmly congratulate Statsraad Lehmkuhl and her sailing crew for an amazing award winning voyage and on their ongoing excellent work delivering sail training experiences.

You can find out more about the trophy, its history and how it is awarded, below.