Preparations underway for departure

Preparations are now underway on board each ship as they prepare to depart Barcelona and make their way to the race start, for the beginning of Race One – Barcelona to Toulon.  800 crew and trainees from 28 countries around the world are planning their strategies, making final preparations to the ships and undergo safety drills and training sessions.

Undocking will begin around 1100hrs local time and the ships will then gather at sea for the Parade of Sail, the traditional way the fleet says thank you to Barcelona for its hospitality over the last few days.   The Parade will start close to the W hotel and continue along the coast line to Badelona, with many excellent viewing points for the public along the way.  Once the fleet reach Badelona they will peel off and go their separate ways en route to the start line, which is five miles SE of Badelona.  Race One is due to start at 1700hrs local time (1500hrs UTC/GMT)

Pic: Captain and crew of Patriarc’h (France) 

Lycamobile – title sponsor of the Mediterranean Tall Ships Regatta

Gaastra – official clothing supplier to the Mediterranean Tall Ships Regatta

– ends – 

For more details please contact Pauline Appleby, Media Manager, on pauline.appleby@sailtraininginternational.org Tel: +44(0) 7785 567487

Editor’ notes:

A word from your sponsor

Lycamobile is the world’ favourite international SIM card. With over 30 million customers across 16 countries, it allows customers to benefit from fantastic, low rates to call their friends and family abroad.

Lycamobile is delighted to be sponsoring this year’ Lycamobile Mediterranean Tall Ships Regatta, with its mission to connect to global communities.  

If you need to call your family and friends during the Regatta please look out for their stand space portside in Barcelona, Toulon and La Spezia.   

What is sail training?

Sail Training is an adventure activity, which includes far more than sailing instruction. Participants are required to confront demanding challenges, both physical and emotional. It is an activity that inspires self-confidence and personal responsibility. It promotes an acceptance of others, whatever their social or cultural backgrounds, and develops a willingness to take controlled risks. Those who undertake Sail Training on Tall Ships generally find it a positive life-changing experience.

A two-minute film can be seen here.

About Sail Training International (STI)

STI is the international voice of Sail Training, a registered charity (not-for-profit organisation), which has worldwide membership and activities. Its purpose is the development and education of young people through the Sail Training experience, regardless of nationality, culture, religion, gender or social background. It organises the annual Tall Ship Races and other international Tall Ship sailing events. STI members are 29 national Sail Training organisations around the world and STI’ head office is in Gosport, Hampshire, UK.

The organisation was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize 2007 for its work in promoting international understanding and friendship.