Traditional Boats & Tall Ships Magazine

Tall Ships' Races update

The Tall Ships' Races 2008 got off to a flying start yesterday just off the northern coast of Northern Ireland.  The Royal Navy provided three start vessels for the race team, including HMS Mersey, which will now be following the fleet all the way to Maløy in Norway.  On board is the race communications team who contact the fleet twice a day for updates.  The first morning report, conducted this morning at 6am GMT, saw Christian Radich leading the fleet on corrected time, with fellow Norwegian ships Statsraad Lemhkuhl and Sorlandet in second and third both in Class A and overall.  (I told you so!)  On the water Mir is leading having already passed the first waypoint, with Christian Radich and Dar Mlodziezy not far behind.  Jolie Brise is in the lead in Class B, Black Diamond of Durham is leading Class C and Urania is leading Class D. 

As well as the race for the lead of the race overall, there are a number of other battles taking place, notably between the three Norwegian Class A ships, but also in Class C with three UK vessels.  Winds are continuing in a favourable direction helping some of the fleet average around 10 knots.  The next update will be posted on the website at around 7pm GMT.  A more detailed race report is available online here.  To view the fleet tracking online, just click the link to the top right of the page, or click here to view images from the event.  

Bergen awaits Tall Ships' Races 2008

As I write, the official start to the Tall Ships' Races 2008 should be underway, with the fleet lined up near Lough Foyle in Northern Ireland.  They're bound for Maloy then Bergen - after 1993 and 2001, this is the third time that Norway's second city has hosted the fleet.  With more Class A ships in this race than for several years, more than half a million visitors are expected.  Bergen has put on quite a show:

In addition to the racing fleet of almost 80 vessels, a uniqe collection of old fjord steamers will take part in the event - including SS Oster, now celebrating its 100-year anniversary.  The annual Nordic Cadet Meeting also takes place during these days, and the 400 participating cadets will certainly make their mark on the city.  The ships will be berthed in our inner harbour in the midst of the city’s everyday life and in walking distance from pretty much everything. 

Guaranteed highlights start on Wednesday, August 6th as the first ships arrive to take part in the Nordic Cadet Meeting.  There's also an outdoors concert by Eric Clapton.  On Thursday the competitions for the Nordic Cadet Meeting start (finishing on Saturday 9th).  Friday sees the outdoor market places open, including three live stages - featuring Meat Loaf, no less.  On Saturday 9th August, the opening day of the Tall Ships' Races in Bergen opens with a ceremony from the Hanseatic Wharf at 7pm and concerts until 11pm, fiishing with a firewroks display.  Bergen says goodbye to the fleet on Thursday 12th August and the Parade of Sail at 11am.  The second leg of the race starts at 5pm from Fedje. 

Tall Ships Races' 2008 underway!

The Tall Ships Races' 2008 got underway on Monday under conditions that were equally blustery, sunny and overcast; the same winds that had kept the golfers on their toes at Royal Birkdale sadly prevented many vessels from setting canvas for the Parade of Sail.  Several skippers were clearly champing at the bit, though: Pelican of London and Alexander von Humboldt had both removed the harbour stow from several yards in readiness, while Stavros S. Niarchos set most of her jibs and staysails - so too Cuauhtémoc, who set off several gun blasts in passing the Liver Buildings.  Cadets from the irresistible Royalist manned the yard arms, the Girl Guides from Lord Nelson waved and laughed, and several of the Omani Sultanate's Shabab Oman were dressed in full dress kilts in reference to her Scottish build.  Given the conditions, braver souls than me manned the yards of the gigantic Dar Mlodziezy, the fireship Trafalgar blasted sky-high water cannons, there was a fly-by of Yakelov stunt planes and a helicopter scudded low circuits over the fleet before landing on Lyme Bay.  HMS Argyll was in attendance, as were many Mersey ferries - not to mention many tens of thousands of happy spectators! 

The fleet is bound for Northern Ireland, where the official race begins on Wednesday 23rd July.  The first leg of the competition is to Maloy in Norway, where the ships will assemble between Friday 1st and Monday 4th August.  Then the cruise-in-company brings the fleet to Bergen from Saturday 9th to Tuesday 12th August - and the second leg of the race heads for Den Helder in the Netherlands, where the tall ships will celebrate between Wednesday 20th and Saturday 23rd August. 

If I was a betting man, I'd wager on Pelican, Christian Radich, Statsraad Lehmkuhl and Sorlandet as four of the Top Five...  anyone think different? 

I've also decided that the TS Royalist might just be my favourite ship of all time.  So there. 

Stavros S Niarchos leads the Parade of Sail

The helicopter and the brave souls...

Fire tug Trafalgar

The ever-popular Cuauhtémoc

Dar Mlodziezy

...and TS Royalist in good cheer...

 

New Shield sunglasses to be worn over prescription glasses

Those clever people at Gill are introducing Shield sunglasses – the first floatable and polarized over-glasses for sailors who wear prescription glasses.  Designed to be worn over prescription frames, Gill Shield sunglasses provide 100% protection against harmful UVA and UVB light.  Polarized lenses give glare-free vision when out on the water - the lenses are scratch resistant, have an oleo-phobic surface to prevent fingerprints and smudges adhering to the lens and a Flash-Reflect treatment that reflects bright light away and helps to hide your prescription eyewear.  The frames are made from lightweight Grilamid TR90 and include cushioned pads in areas where the glasses could come into contact with the spectacles.  A snip at £35, especially as the additional buoyancy inserted in the frame allows the glasses to float should you drop them overboard.  Which I do.  Often.  I've been wearing specs since I was seven - and these look the business to me. 

For further information, please contact Gill directly at Manor House Road, Long Eaton, Nottingham, NG10 1LR, UK - give them a tinkle on +44 (0)115 946 0844 or drop them an email: enquiries@gilluk.com

Sixareen launch date announced

Shetland Museum & Archives have announced that they will launch the first sixareen to be built in Lerwick in over 100 years on the 21st June 2008, as part of a day of events and celebrations.  

The sixareen is currently being completed in the Boat Sheds at the Museum & Archives, where members of the public have watched the progress of its build over the past three months.  Local boatbuilders Jack Duncan and Robbie Tait built the vessel - although experienced boatbuilders, they had not built an open boat of this size before and thoroughly enjoyed the challenge.  They were also honoured to be the first to revive boatbuilding in the restored Boat Sheds, and recreate the craftsmanship which would have been seen in these sheds more than a century earlier. 

The boat is based on the INDUSTRY LK 718 which was originally built in 1891 and is now located in the Museum and Archives Boat Hall.  Historically, the sixareen is an open six oared fishing boat which was extremely important to Shetland's haaf (deep sea) fishing industry throughout the 1700s and 1800s but had all but disappeared by 1920.  The largest of Shetland's open boats, these clinker built, double-ended craft were recognised as the ultimate development of the traditional Shetland boat, directly descended from Viking boat design.  Crews fished for cod and ling up to 40 miles from land, on trips lasting up to three days. 

The name of the sixareen, which was selected through a public competition, will be revealed at the launch.  The winner of the competition will also launch the boat on the day and be one of the first to row her.  Shetland Museum & Archives have organised a day of celebrations, 11am to 4pm, including live music, family activities and much more.  The launch will take place at 12 noon, after which the public will have the opportunity to find out what it was like to handle a vessel of this size, by taking part in rowing trips around the harbour. 

The Museum and Archives is hoping to be able to offer sixareen rowing trips throughout the summer, adding to the visitor experience.  Tommy Watt, Museum Curator, said: "This is quite a unique opportunity, we don't know of any original sixareens in a seaworthy condition and only one other replica.  Initially we are just looking to offer trips in the sixareen, but may offer trips in other boats in the future." 

All events on the day are free and everyone is welcome to come along and take part in this historic occasion. 

There are loads of pictures online here. 

Ondeck and Mount Gay welcome home Atlantic Challenge Fleet

Ondeck, the UK's fastest growing sail charter company and power and sailing school, has welcomed home its fleet of Farr 65s following the completion of a challenging three-month 3600NM voyage from Nelson's Dockyard in Antigua to Portsmouth Harbour, the home of Nelson's flagship vessel Victory.

The crews competing in the 'Atlantic Challenge' left Antigua in April and headed east in an informal match race to the Azores, where several of the crew members completed their ocean theory course. The second leg from the Azores to Portsmouth provided opportunity for further teaching in aspects such as Astro,
weather and ocean sailing tactics.

Boats and crew were welcomed back to Portsmouth Harbour in style with an official Ondeck Atlantic Challenge 'Welcome Home' party held at the Nelson Gallery in the historic dockyard. The party, sponsored by Mount Gay Rum, provided the opportunity for the crew to reflect on the historic relevance of the challenge, share stories of the crossing and cement new friendships.

Regaining his land legs, Graham Ross, second Mate on Spirit of Minerva, commented: "Coming back on the Atlantic Challenge was an eye opener as I didn't know what to expect when I set out from Antigua. When not busy on watch, I spent a lot of time preparing the crew's fresh food meals for each leg of the trip. It seemed to go down really well - especially my famous Apple Pie! I would recommend this trip for anyone looking for their next adventure or challenge and I would love to go back and spend some more time in the Azores, where I took my ocean theory course."

Ondeck organises two major transatlantic events throughout the year: The Atlantic Adventure is a three-leg race from Cascais to Barbados via Madeira and the Cape Verde Islands; and the Atlantic Challenge, a two-leg race from Antigua to Portsmouth via the Azores. Crew places for individual legs or the whole trip are available for this year's Atlantic Adventure, which takes place in October and for next years' Atlantic Challenge.

Well done to everyone involved! 

Hilary makes final preparations for epic journey

All Set to Sail: Hilary Lister, a quadriplegic sailor, is now in her final two weeks of preparation for her courageous attempt to sail solo round the British Isles.  She will set sail from Dover at 6.30am on Monday, 9th June 2008 and journey clockwise around the coast.  

Picture of Hilary by Mark Lloyd.

Able only to move her head, eyes and mouth, Hilary sails using a 'sip and puff' device which allows her to control the sails and tiller with just her breath.  She will travel in her 20ft (6m) state of the art sailing boat, the Artemis 20, in a series of day sails.  She will be accompanied on the water by a support RIB at all times, while a motor entourage of two motorhomes and a Land Rover (with winch and hoist) will provide land support.  Her team will comprise four 'wet crew' led by Project Manager, Toby May and three 'shore' crew.  Project Director Tony Leppard will provide remote assistance and support for the project.  

Each day the team will record Hilary's finishing latitude and longitude from her GPS, so they can tow Hilary back to exactly the same point the next sailing day.  Hilary is anticipating the sail will take 3-4 months.  It will involve venturing both into the Irish Sea and the North Sea, as well as the English Channel.  Hilary's route will take her through the Caledonian Canal.   

Her progress may be tracked from her website and updates on her route and itinerary will be posted on a regular basis.

Lions Clubs of British Isles and Ireland are providing support to Hilary's project by way of organising local facilities on the route and Hilary is extremely grateful for all their assistance and the donations of funds which have been made by the various Clubs.  Kent County Council Sports Development Unit has also provided much help and assistance to the project and is organising a launch event on the morning of 9th June.  Selected press and media representatives, sponsors, and other guests will board the Southern Queen at Berth 75 of Dover Marina to accompany Hilary as she commences her journey. 

Everyone at Traditional Boats & Tall Ships wishes every success to Hilary and her team - we'll bring you updates on her progress as soon as we have them. 

The Mariners International Club

The Mariners International Club is a non profit-making worldwide network of traditional boats and tall ships enthusiasts.  Membership offers group sailing opportunities, a lively annual dinner with exciting, distinguished speakers and the club magazine Windjammer, keeping tabs on worldwide traditional sail.  Members are encouraged to submit news, views and articles! 

The MIC has been established for over 30 years and is now seeking new enthusiasts - if you'd like to join, there's more information on their website, or you can contact the Club membership secretary directly.  General enquiries should be made to Tim Dodwell, Birches, Balmer Lawn Road, Brockenhurst, Hampshire SO42 7TT. 

55ft Gaff Cutter vintage yacht Thalia for sale

At over 100 years old, the wonderfully restored vintage yacht Thalia has just sailed across the Atlantic, winning top honours in the Grenada Classic Yacht Regatta and Antigua Classics.  Built by G F Wanhill at Poole in 1889, her hull is carvel built of oak frames, oak and pitch pine planking and bronze fasteners.  She is cutter rigged with gaff sails.

Thalia went to Ireland in 1891 until 1914, where there are records of her racing in the archives of the Royal Cork Yacht Club from 1891-96.  She was based on the Thames from 1914-1963, then in the 1960s she sailed to Turkey and the African coast.  A rebuild was started in the late 1980s, but abandoned without a deck!  She was about to be broken up when her present owners bought her in 1993.  It is believed she is the only remaining yacht built by the Wanhills yard of Poole.  Three of the twelve yachts racing in the inaugral 1851 Americas Cup were built by Wanhills; their most successful being Egira, built in 1865 and seven-times winner of the Queens Cup in Cowes.  Thalia is now possibly the oldest yacht to have crossed the Atlantic - her name has remained unchanged for nearly 120 years, and much of the boat's interior is still in its original form. 

Anyone with a spare £200,000 should contact Classic Yachts For Sale. 

Hospitality for small groups at Skandia Cowes Week

Red Sky Sailing has launched a hospitality day for small groups to join together on board the beautiful tall ship J.R. Tolkien, pictured right, at Skandia Cowes Week 2008.  This stunning ship is available for small groups to join together on Tuesday 5th August 2008 for a fabulous day of hospitality at the UK’s premier sailing event.  Places costs £255 per person (+ VAT) for a full day on board including catering and bar, departing from Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth.  Groups of any size are welcome to take up places making the day great value for money and a superb opportunity to enjoy such prestigious hospitality.

Joining the ship at 10am, guests will be welcomed on board with tea, coffee and morning pastries.  Once underway a champagne reception will be served on deck as the ship leaves harbour and sails to Cowes.  At Cowes the captain will find the best location to watch the sailing action and will drop anchor.  An onboard race 'commentator' will mix with the guests to explain what is happening on the water and identify the classes of yacht that are racing.   A buffet lunch will be served in the saloon.  In the afternoon the ship will weigh anchor, set sail and follow the regatta yachts as they head for the race finish line, before turning back towards Portsmouth.  The day finishes back in Gunwharf Quays at 5.30 pm.

The day includes tea, coffee & pastries on arrival, champagne reception drinks, buffet lunch, afternoon tea, unlimited house wines, beer and soft drinks, official Skandia Cowes Week programmes and the Cowes Week race commentator. 

Places are now on sale and further information is available from the Red Sky sales team on 01273 777978.