Estonia Take An Early Lead

Class C vessel, St Iv from Estonia has made an excellent start in The Tall Ships Races 2011 and is currently sitting in first place overall, first in class and first on the water. 

Captained by Margus Zahharov, the crew of 12 have sailed well in the challenging light head winds covering 35miles of the 205miles total course distance.

Over half of the fleet have passed Way Point 1, Coningbeg Lanby, and are due to round Way Point 2, Tuskar Rock Lighthouse, which is situated off the south east corner of Ireland today.

Paul Bishop, Race Director, said: äóìThe wind is due to veer to the south and increase in force later today which should significantly speed up the progress of the fleet as they head towards the finish line but it will be interesting to see how events unfold on the water.äó

Current rankings are as follows on the first morning of Race One of The Tall Ships Races 2011, presented by Szczecin and organised by Sail Training International:

Overall:

1. St Iv, Class C, Estonia
2. Jolly Brise, Class B, UK
3. Dar Szczecina, Class C, Poland

On The Water:

1. St Iv, Clas C, Estonia
2. Dar Szczecina, Class C, Poland
3. Tomidi Class D, Belgium

By Class:

Class A

1. Mir, Russia
2. Royalist, UK
3. Endracht, Netherlands

Class B

1. Jolly Brise, UK
2. Rupel, Belgium
3. Morning Star of Revelation, UK

Class C

1. St Iv, Estonia
2. Dar Szczecina, Poland
3. Black Diamond of Durham, UK

Class D

1. Miles To Go, Belgium
2. St Barbara V, UK
3. Tomidi, Belgium