The Tall Ships Races 2016: Foggy Farewells and New Horizons

Crews and around 150,000 visitors have enjoyed an incredible three days in A Coruí±a – the final port of the Tall Ships Races 2016 – and today (Sunday 14 August) the fleet leaves for new adventures.  

The fleet has sailed over 1,900 nautical miles over the last 38 days, visited four ports in Belgium, Portugal and Spain and welcomed thousands of trainees on board to experience adventure at sea.

Last night (Saturday 13 August) everyone was treated to an atmospheric fireworks display set against a blanket of thick fog, which did nothing to dampen the party spirit. Five thousand visitors filled the port to celebrate the final evening of the race series with the trainees and crews, enjoying deck receptions and celebrations.

Vera Cruz (Portugal) reportedly welcomed 4,000 visitors on board throughout the day yesterday and there was a steady flow of visitors to the compact event port, reaching a peak of 10,000 at some points. 

Parade of Sail

The final Parade of Sail was delayed an hour to allow the lingering flog to lift, but the international fleet of Tall and Small Ships departed in style. Vessels left the Rí_a da Coruí±a estuary, passed north of Isla Marola, around the saluting vessel (Spanish Navy patrol boat Atalaya, P-74), and then sailed north of Torre Hí©rcules.

Fryderyk Chopin (Poland) departed first, from the inner Díçrsena, followed by Morgenster (The Netherlands) and Pelican of London (UK). Next, vessels in Trasatlíçnticos and Baterí_a Quays made their way out of port, starting with Simon Bolivar (Venezuela). Statsraad Lehmkuhl (Norway) led the Parade of Sail, followed by Jolie Brise (UK).

Visitors lined vantage points along the Parade of Sail route, eagerly awaiting views of the fleet as they sailed and motored in procession at a steady five knot pace. The Tower of Hercules, Mount San Pedro, Adormideras, Faro de Mera, and Seixo Branco were packed with thousands of waving spectators.

äóìThe Parade of Sail went very well and according to plan. So, congratulations to Fernando and the team in A Coruí±a for their planning and execution of the Parade. The weather turned out to be great after the fog lifted, and there were many thousands of people watching the parade from the shore.

äóìThere were many messages of thanks from the fleet to the port of A Coruí±a and the team for the excellent hospitality and organisation of the event. The fleet have now left the Tall Ships Races 2016 in very high spirits and we’re looking forward to seeing them again at the next event.äó

Paul Bishop, Race Director, Sail Training International.

New Adventures: What’ next for the Fleet?

The YB satellite tracking system is no longer active as the fleet leave to make their way to new destinations and adventures around the world – but don’t worry – A Coruí±a may be the final port of the Tall Ships Races 2016, but the adventure isn’t over. We’re looking forward to meeting many of the vessels again soon as they now make their way to Blyth in Northumberland, UK for the North Sea Tall Ships Regatta 2016.

Vessels making the voyage from Spain to the UK are Black Diamond of Durham (UK)<