Three talented
amateur photographers were among the crew of Thalassa (Netherlands), the 47m
barque in her race to Gdynia. They each won a place on Race 2 after entering a photographic competition run by the Turku
2011 Foundation.
Tero
Rantaruikka, Gabriela Austeda and Barry Feldon
(pictured) all became firm friends during the trip and thoroughly enjoyed their
time on board.
Rantaruikka,
lived in Kotka, Finland, at the time of Tall Ships Races in 2007 and has dreamed
of taking part ever since. “It was the
best prize I could ever have” he said.
Austrian
Gabriela Austeda had been studying in Turku when she found out about the
Culture 2011 Tall Ships Regatta but as the college semester ended in May she did
not think she would be able be involved. However having read about the
competition she had reason to stay! And
it was worth the wait as three of Gabrielle’s photographs were amongst those
winning the most public votes.
Englishman
Feldon, who now lives in the Finnish Archipelago, admitted that he is now “thoroughly
hooked on tall ship sailing” and can’t wait to go again. His first time sailing, he was one of the
lucky few that were not seasick during the rough conditions on the first
day. “My highlight was without a doubt
the third day of the race – by then those who had been ill were feeling better,
everyone had got into the rhythm of the ship and were taking part in watches or
going aloft and there was laughter, banter and good spirits everywhere”.
Click here to view the trio’s photographic entries, along with others entered in the
competition.
The Culture 2011 Tall Ships Regatta is organised by Sail Training International