Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge

[Nausikaa]

The Tall Ships Challenge 2009 starts from here (Vigo) on Sunday. The plan is that they sail from Vigo to Tenerife from whence they cross the Atlantic to Bermuda before going on to Charleston, Boston and Halifax thence across the Atlantic again to Belfast. All in all, a fairly typical Atlantic circuit but with some untypical ships for these times.

Here are some pics from the participating ships, the most impressive of which is the Russian KRUZENSJTERN.

[KevinBarr]

Gorgeous. Although it would be a hard go to work as a deckhand on a tall-ship, I have to say I would love to give it a try for at least a little while! The craftmanship alone is inspiring.

[Nausikaa]

The ships left around noon today making for Tenerife, their first stop of the voyage.

Here are some more photographs - mostly taken from my lounge window. Now you see why I like living here - well apart from the sea food, the weather and the wine.

The observant person will notice that the KRUZENSJTERN only has staysails set and these are sheeted flat despite having a following wind. This is for the cameras! It makes a nice photograph but in reality she was using her engines for all maneuvering until well out to sea. All the other, smaller, vessels were making good use of a pleasant following breeze and, being more maneuverable, hoisted sail once clear of the harbour walls and sailed down the ria.

I must admit, I enjoyed watching this, sitting in my chair, binoculars, camera and a G & T beside me on the table. I hope they all have a safe voyage.

Aye // Stephen

[Lighthouse]

What a wonderful sight - thanks for sharing.