Cutty Sark Tall Ships Race 2003 latest
by Sophie Lloyd 24 Jul 2003 17:18 BST
The first vessel to arrive in Turku is Windrose from the Cayman Islands, although she has not necessarily won this first leg as they race on a handicap system. The results will be announced on 31st I believe, as long as all the fleet have arrived. details on Windrose can be found on the website under vessel database
The next vessels to return according to this mornings update from the communications vessel, Lord Nelson, will be Helena, Esprit and Orsa Maggiore. The majority of the fleet will arrive in Turku, Finland tomorrow.
Gdynia went extremely well, it is the third race to leave from Gdynia over previous years and the atmosphere and festivities were wonderful. there were 1.2 million public visitors over the four days in port and over 200 accredited journalists. this is a great start to the race.
Peter Newell, Race Director says of the race so far:
'The race set off from Gdynia on the evening of 22nd July and, after a particularly difficult and taxing start in light winds, during which the wind veered through 90 deg during the course of the start procedures, the leading ships of the fleet have made rapid progress towards Finland and the schooner, Dutch-owned Windrose, Cayman Islands, crossed the finish line at 0245 hours UTC this morning. We are expecting the majority of the fleet to have finished the race by the 25th July, which will give crews time to relax in the stunning islands of the Finnish Archipelago before making their way to the port of Turku.'