At sea on Schooner VIRGINIA

Nelly and Amelia are both on board Schooner Virginia for this leg, the first time they have sailed together this series. Keep reading for Amelia’s update from the ship.

A little rain never hurt anyone…especially a sailor

It was a wet and wooley race start out there on the ocean tonight. I am still swaying from all the bumping and tossing our 30ft Dory took.  The race participants are on their way to Boston along with Jennifer, our Operations Coordinator on Spirit of Bermuda, Nelly and Amelia on Virginia, and Matt on Europa.

Acrobats, Drums and Air Shows

Jolie Brise_Amelia Smith

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was great to come into Charleston aboard Schooner Virginia on Thursday, sailing in with an amazing harbor view of the tall ships that had already arrived.  We arrived in the late afternoon, and after dropping sail, tied up near Tecla.  After a long voyage at sea, Virginia celebrated with a crew dinner in town.  We spent the evening walking around the quaint and historical city of Charleston, and though it is hot and humid, nights sleeping on deck have been cool and comfortable.

An international soiree in Charleston

Nelly

                Amelia and I went to the International Soiree last night.  The set up was perfect, they had food, refreshment and music set up along the dock with all the Class A ships open and festively lit.  The Capitan Miranda was one of the ships hosting the public and was having a private reception on the aft lower deck.  The crew was gathered on the bow playing music and dancing. They had drums, whistles and were occasionally accompanied by the ship’s horn.  There wasn’t enough of a breeze to match the heat even at ten at night.  As the crew danced with their drums, people watching from the dock danced and clapped along.  With all the cleats and eyes on the deck, the dance floor was a bit small but the crew made it work without tripping on the gear. 

The chocolate pancake dance

From Nelly…

Nelly up in rigging putting Penetrol on the foremast to prevent chafing

As we sailed out of Hamilton and around the island to the start of Race Three,  we were joined by hundreds of yachts, dinghies and even jet skis.  It felt like a royal escort.  

 I hate to admit it, but I couldn’t tell you when we crossed the starting line.  I had never set foot on a schooner before and I was often concentrating so much on what I was doing, mostly hauling and trying not to fall over, that I wasn’t always sure exactly what my hauling was achieving up in the rigging and by the time I was done I needed to move to another line.

 The last I was aware, we were waiting for the other race committee boat to get into position.  Then we were setting more sails and tacking, which involved a lot of hurry and hauling while trying not to slip on the deck. 

On A Roll…

Now underway aboard Schooner Virginia– here’s Amelia’s story on the end of the Bermuda’s festival and the past week aboard the Virginia:

As the festival in Bermuda drew to a close, crew celebrated with a spirited parade to Victoria Park.  Awards were announced and given for the race and parade.  Rona II was victorious in the crew parade category, dressed as festive and colorful “indians.”  Everyone I talked with had an amazing time in Bermuda, and appreciated all the thoughtful amenities given to crew such as free internet, calling cards and soft drinks!

 The parade of sail out of Hamilton on Monday morning was a great end to the festival.  Led by Cisne Branco and Kruzenshtern, Schooner Virginia followed Concordia with tall ships Europa and Pride of Baltimore II behind us in line.  Last was Spirit of Bermuda, who shined as the local vessel as she was escorted by a fleet of surrounding recreational boats.

 Though a hazy morning, most ships in the parade set sail as we neared Dockyard.  Europa looked especially magnificent in full sail against the morning light.  Heading out to the start, the wind picked up and seas began to rise.  To my amusement, Pride II broke the line and passed Virginia, joined by Europa.  Schooner Virginia isn’t participating in the race, instead using the offshore crossing as an opportunity for a celestial navigation course.  But before heading to anchor in St. George Harbor for the night, we sped through wind and rain to catch Pride II at the start and then turned back.

 Tuesday we took the day off to visit Bermuda’s natural beauty; caves, beaches and snorkeling.  Now we are underway, averaging about four to six knots in steady winds and scattered squalls accompanied by heavy rain.  I’ve been a bit of a sickling since I was unaccustomed to her rolling, but am starting to recover and become a fully functioning member of “C” watch.

 I just finished a sunny midday watch, and last night featured beautiful skies with bright starts and strong winds.  During the day and night, celestial navigation courses are taught by Professor Clark to the crew and two guest crew.  “Things are progressing nicely, although the sun has been elusive,” says Professor Clark.

 On watch it is easy to notice that Schooner Virginia is very much a teaching ship.  Trainees focus on four important areas when first orientated to the boat; safety, helm, boat checks and line handling.  During watch, my watch leader has instructed me on the compass points because the ship’s compass doesn’t have numbers, only letters to steer by.  I’m beginning to pick up on this pattern and system while at the helm and looking forward to learning more by the end of the voyage!

Race Three Update

Europa at Race Start in Bermuda

After a brief few hours in front (on corrected time) Pride of Baltimore 2 (US) dropped to second among the Class B vessels, behind Tecla (NETH) and in front of Belle Poule (FRA).  According to Captain Miles’ fleet plotting and calcualtions, yesterday Pride of Baltimore advanced 194 nautical miles in 24 hours, the longest distance of the fleet. A few miles behind was Peter von Danzig (GER)at 182 nm. That’s some fast sailing!

With Tecla leading  overall on corrected time, Peter von Danzig leads on the water, flying ahead of Fazisi (US), Spirit of Bermuda (BER) and Rona II (UK). For the German ship,  there are only 247 nm to go until Charleston!

Among the Class A’s, Capitan Miranda (URU) leads the pack, with Europa (NETH) in second (Go Matt!) and Eagle (US) in third.

In the Class D’s, Rona II  leads, followed by Urania (NETH) and Xsaar (BEL).

Information compiled from Sail Training International. For more information, please visit www.tallshipsraces.org  .

 

The Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge is organised by Sail Training International with the American Sail Training Association.

Next stop, Charleston!

Pride of Baltimore 2, Europa, Mircea_Bermuda Race Start

The ships are on their way to Charleston after a fantastic event and send off in Hamilton, Bermuda. The start of race three was aided by a brisk south-westerly wind blowing between 20-26 knots. First across the line in the Class A group was Kruzenshtern (RUS), followed by Capitan Miranda (URU) and Europa (NETH). Of the smaller B’s and C’s, Rona II (UK) was first, then Peter von Danzig (GER) and Urania (NETH). 

So far, on corrected time, Capitan Miranda is leading the Class A’s with Tecla in the lead of the Class B’s and Peter von Danzig leading the D class.  On the water, Peter von Danzig seems to be in the lead and in a fierce “fish off” with Fazisi.

Meanwhile Spirit of Bermuda and Pride of Baltimore 2 continue their friendly rivalry, with the two ships closely matched in speed, with the Spirit of Bermuda crew working hard to maintain their lead over Pride of Baltimore 2. See the picture below for great shot of the two of the ships battling it out on the water. . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Click here for some in depth analyzation of the different sailing strategies of the full-rigged ships versus the smaller sailing vessel, courtesy of Capt. Miles of the Pride of Baltimore 2.

A visitors perspective from beneath the volcano

We here in the Newport office of the American Sail Training Association have been living vicariously through the news releases and photos of Sail Training International who are the organizers of the Tenerife TALL SHIPS®ATLANTIC CHALLENGE port event. Soon, very soon, the ASTA race team will be travelling for the start of our portion of this summer’s race series in Charleston, South Carolina at the Charleston Harborfest, June 26-29. 

However, sometimes it is nice to get a visitor’s perspective about these events. A point of view from someone who is there as an objective observer, who is down at the waterfront solely to have a good time and soak in the festival atmosphere. It reminds us organizers to stop and take in the smiling, excited faces of the spectators, crews and volunteers. Here is a great blog entry from just one of those visitors, read and enjoy…and we hope to see you in Charleston.

A Life on the Ocean Wave- The Tall Ships in Tenerife

Join the PICTON CASTLE this summer!

There are many reasons to be a member of the American Sail Training Association, free copies of our directory Sail Tall Ships!, discounts to our regional meetings and annual conference, and  the smug knowledge that your membership helps to support our mission, along with many of the education and scholarship programs which help bring the adventure, excitement and life changing experience of the tall ships and sail training to an ever widening audience, both young and old.

And today, another benefit from one of our member vessels, Picton Castle.  Join the Picton Castle for a voyage this summer along the Atlantic Coast  for three, six or nine weeks and, if you are an ASTA Member receive 20% off the regular price. This is an awesome opportunity on an awesome ship. Keep reading for the nitty gritty on this amazing adventure…