Features
and Reviews
Stavros
S Niarchos claims trophy in Tall Ships Brig Match Races
Saturday
18th and 19th August |
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STAVROS
S NAIRCHOS, owned and operated by the Tall Ships
Youth Trust, claimed the Tall Ships Challenge Cup in the spectacular
Tall Ships match race series in Tor Bay over the weekend (18/19
August). Helping sail STAVROS
S NIARCHOS
to victory were a crew of South Hams youngsters from local schools,
colleges, youth service and Duke of Edinburgh Award Schemes. |
| The 60m
(195 foot) steel hulled, two-masted, square-rigged brigs, PRINCE
WILLIAM and STAVROS S NIARCHOS are
the only two identical Tall Ships in the world and compete in
the races against each other once a year. The crews competed
in four races across Tor Bay despite atrocious conditions and
strong winds gusting force 9. |
 |
Captain Liam Keating of the winning ship STAVROS
S NIARCHOS commented: “The young crew really worked hard
to secure our win. The strong winds were particularly challenging
and the crew performed brilliantly - especially as this was the
first time most had ever sailed before. It really shows you what
teamwork and determination can achieve”. |
With
gusts of up to Force Nine, heavy rain and constant squalls the
conditions were a challenge for even the most experienced sailors.
The local crew, some with little or no sailing experience, had
just one day to learn the ropes on board the 60-metre tall ships.
This included manning the sails up to 36-metres
above the sea as the ships sped along at 10 knots and
sailed around buoys set in the Bay.
Rival Captain Paul Miller
from PRINCE WILLIAM said: “Despite coming a
close second, we have really enjoyed racing in these waters.
Tor Bay is a fantastic arena for sailing – especially for Tall
Ships - and the town of Brixham has been very welcoming to our
crew.“ |
 |
For anyone who missed taking
part in this event, it is still possible to join in one of the
Tall Ships Youth Trusts' Adventures this summer. On departure
from Brixham, PRINCE WILLIAM and STAVROS
S NIARCHOS will race each other to Cork, Ireland, in
the first ever Tall Ships Fastnet Race – another first for Tor
Bay. Places available from £599 (16-25 year olds). |
|
Other voyages are
available throughout the summer.
Bursaries are available and details
from the Tall Ships Youth Trust:
info@tallships.org
tel: 023
9283 2055
www.tallships.org
.
|
Brixhamnews.com
thank Roy Riley for his atmospheric and dramatic photos of the
Tall Ships Brig Match Races. |
| |
Features
and Reviews 
