Race One, Report Four: All change in Class A and B

The fleet have now become a much tighter pack as they approach Waypoint 1 on the southern tip of Crimea, thanks to a stronger westerly wind, which has enabled many of the back markers to catch up while at the same time those at the front lost their wind.

Russian Bermudan Sloop Akela has steamed on past the waypoint with 120 miles to go before reaching Novorossiysk, and is currently running 2nd in class and 2nd overall on corrected time. Sea Adventure (Bulgaria), a new vessel to the sail training fleet, is making excellent progress and remains 1st overall and 1st in Class C/D – both on corrected time.

Meanwhile Kruzenshtern (Russia) has retired and is making her way towards Sevastopol with a crew member requiring medical attention.

There have been signifiant changes in the leading vessels in classes A and B since this morning’s report. Current positions (all on corrected time) are as follows:

Class A

1st Sedov (Russia) – pictured approaching the start line

2nd Kaliakra (Bulgaria)

3rd Royal Helena (Bulgaria)

Class B

1st Johanna Lucretia (UK)

2nd Adornate (Romania)

3rd Bodrum (Turkey)

Class C/D

1st Sea Adventure (Bulgaria)

2nd Akela (Russia)

3rd Viking (Russia)

The weather is currently northerly 15 knots at the centre of the fleet however closer to Waypoint 1 it is dropping and the forecast over the next few hours shows it reducing almost to calm.

As the time goes on and more vessels approach the waypoint they will find the wind, although favourably from the north, will decrease further until a period of very little, if any, wind south of the Crimean peninsula. It will pick up again within the next two days but it is likely to be NE, which is not helpful. Akela, may be fortunate enough to have got through the area before the calm hits them.

You can follow the fleet on the Yellow Brick system by clicking on this link.

29 sail training vessels entered the SCF Black Sea Tall Ships Regatta, with 17 having arrived in Varna to take part, including one Ukranian and seven Russian ships. Most of them are racing from Varna (Bulgaria) to Novorossiysk (Russia) before cruising to Sochi (Russia), from where they will race the final leg to Constanta (Romania).

ends

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 Ships 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.   www.sailtraininginternational.org

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