The Tall Ships Races 2016: birthdays and an epic journey

This year may be the

vessels and crew members.

Lord Nelson (UK), Class A

This

barque-rigged vessel is one of only two tall ships in the world designed and

operated to be sailed by people of all physical abilities (the other is Lord Nelson‘ sister vessel with the

Jubilee Sailing Trust, Tenacious).  We are delighted to have her back for the

festivities this anniversary year. The specific design of the vessel means

trainees and sailors of all ability are welcome, an ethos at the heart of Sail

Training International.

 Rupel (Belgium), Class B

This gaff schooner-rigged vessel is celebrating her 20^th birthday and taking part in all legs of the Tall Ships Races 2016. She was built over the course of five years by long-term unemployed people from areas surrounding the River Rupel as part of a social project aimed at helping those in need.

Both her build and employment bear witness to the benefits that can be found within the world of sail training and it is a privilege to have her at the races.  Her home leg start was capped off perfectly with her crew winning Antwerp’ Harbor Challenge.

NEWS FROM BEHIND THE SAILS: Dkembe’ epic journey

Amongst the

crew in Antwerp, Dkembe, a young Bermudan sailing on board Atyla (Vanuatu) holds an especially interesting story. Having set

sail from Bilbao in Spain last month he is hoping to continue his voyage beyond

the Tall Ships Races 2016 until the vessel arrives in Bermuda a year later for Sail

Training International Transatlantic event, The Rendez-Vous Tall Ships Regatta 2017.

The sailing

life is not new to Dkembe as he has been clocking up his nautical miles

speedily since his first full voyage four years ago at the age of 17. His many

journeys have taken him across the Atlantic three times and even around the

world twice. When we asked him what attracted him to the ocean life, his

response was telling.

äóìIn

Bermuda, there are many people who have never even left the island.äó

This simple

statement from the youngster tells a powerful story of the power of the sea.

Being able expose yourself to both the elements at sea, but also the

opportunities for travel is an often irresistible proposition – as Dkembe will

testify.

“t sea in

rough weather, you know what you are really made ofäó_ I love the rough weather.äó

But not

everything is plain sailing according to the young Bermudan. He admits that

often the hardest part of ocean life is the homesickness – especially on long

journeys like his current one, as well as a previous eight month stint on the

Class A vessel, Picton<