Race report NR 4
An exhilarating Race One of The Tall Ships Races 2022 saw early morning drama as Spaniel (Latvia) and Patricia (Belgium) battled it out for line honours, with the Latvian Class C BM Sloop taking the prize.

There is still lots to be decided throughout the race fleet, with the, larger, Class A ships still battling fiercely for Class honours and their eyes still set on overall success on corrected time.

Race Director, Paul Bishop, provided the following update on the fleet’s progress.

“Spaniel gains line honours having crossed the finish line at 05hrs 50mins 08secs UTC in sight of her arch-rival Patricia, which crossed shortly after at 06 14 29. Esprit has since crossed at 08 00 30 and Helena at 08 37 18.

“The racecourse from Esbjerg has proved to be exciting, frustrating, and intensely challenging for the captains and crews. The leading Class A ships are due to finish later with Fryderyk Chopin in prime position to cross first. Eendracht is closing fast though making 2.8 knots faster so could potentially overhaul Chopin before the finish line.

“Christiania has maintained her overall placing on Corrected Time (handicap) in first place with Esprit and Belfer in second and third respectively. Swan of Shetland is also doing well in fourth place overall on CT.

“The Time Limit is due to come into force at 17:00 UTC tomorrow to ensure that vessels make the arrival deadline of midday Thursday into Harlingen when the festivities will begin.”

Race Director, Paul Bishop