HMS BOUNTY & LADY WASHINGTON(below) heading for Victoria, British Columbia, to join  the TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® events, photographed by Thad Koza the 25th of June 2008.

The HMS Bounty is scheduled to visit, Tacoma, Port Alberni, San Francisco, Monterey, Channel Islands, San Diego and Los Angeles. The 9th of September she will depart from San Diego on a four week sail passage to Hawaii. After a 2 week layover at a few of the Hawaiian Islands she will return to San Diego and then onto the Galapagos Islands before heading back through the Panama Canal and home to St. Petersburg Florida arriving there in early January 2009.

Lady Washington is the Official Ship of the State of Washington and will join the tall ships in Victoria, BC (June 25-30), Tacoma, Wash. (July 3-7), and Port Alberni, BC (July 10-12).

The new Tall ships Calendar 2009 by Thad Kozad is now available. Featuring the STAR of INDIA on it’s cover along with 11 other tall ships photographed during the Tall Ships’ Races Mediterranea 2007

An unusual and magnificent image of the US Coast Guard’s Eagle under full sail, taken by Thad Kozad on the 2nd of july. On Thad’s own words “I had chased EAGLE all over for thirty years, before seeing her under full sail 2 days ago !”.

Thad Kozad is the author of Tall Ships, the fleet for the 21st Century, currently on it’s fourth edition. The book is a complete guide to Tall Ships with hundreds of Thad’s best photographs and detailed descriptions.

Sail of Hope is a Humanitarian Aid organization that sends food items and clothing to disadvantaged children, orphans and widows in Moscow, Russia. Sail of Hope was originally chartered in Moscow, Russia by a courageous woman, Larissa Zelentsova. Sail of Hope exists to help the mentally and physically challenged people of Russia. It helps widows as well. In 1992 Sail of Hope became a member of the International League of Societies for Mentally Handicapped people. They have contact offices in Germany, France, England and the USA. Over 30 chapters of Sail of Hope, spanning some 13 regions of Russia, are in existence today. Humanitarian Aid is shipped from their office in the USA to Moscow. It is their goal to fill containers with basic food items, warm clothing and winter blankets. Sail of Hope also has Consultative Status with the United Nations in New York, NY USA.

YOU CAN HELP!!

SailofHopeusa@juno.com

SAIL of HOPE – P.O. Box 488 – Monroe, VA 24574 U.S.A.

Tel. 434-384-5613

Benefits from the sale of the image above, depicting the Russian Tall Ship Kruzenshtern, will be donated by pabloavanzini.com to Sail of Hope.

Thank you for your cooperation!!

The “Sedov” is the world’s largest traditional training tall ship, named after the celebrated Arctic explorer Georgy Sedov.

• 1921 – The Russian four masted barque was built at the Friedr. Krupp A.G. Germaniawerft shipyard, Kiel, Germany, under the name “Magdalene Vinnen” as cargo-carrying vessel.
• 1936 -Sold to “The Norddeutsche Lloyd” shipping company in Bremen by Carl Vinnen, the first owner. The ship is fitted with accommodations for 55 trainees. Renamed “Kommodore Johnson”.
• 1939-1945 – Under German flag during WWII, sails in the Baltic Sea.
• 1946- Given to the USSR as war reparation. Renamed after the celebrated Arctic explorer Georgy Sedov, the USSR Navy Flag was flown, she was used exclusively as a training ship.
• 1951 – Undergoes a thorough modernisation bringing it into seaworthy condition.
• 1952 – First after-war voyage.
• 1966 - Passed into the hands of the Soviet Ministry of Fisheries to keep her training vessel status.
• 1975 – 1981- The ship undergoes major repairs in the Kronstadt shipyard, Germany. Updated equipment for navigation control, observation and communication was installed.
• 1991- Handed over under jurisdiction of the Murmansk State Technical University where young generations of future navigating officers, ship engineers and radio operators enjoy training on her board.

Ship’s characteristics

Type: Four masted barque
Hull: Steel
Homeport: Murmansk
Designer:
Shipyard: Friedr. Krupp A.G. Germaniawerft, Kiel, Germany
Crew: 240 persons 120 cadets included
Height:58 m (* ft)
Sparred Lenght: 117.5m (* ft)
Length waterline:95 m
Beam: 14.80 m (* ft)
Draft: 6.5 m (* ft)
Displacement: 3,476 tons
Sail Area: 4,150 m² (* sq ft) * sails
Engines: 2 x * hp (diesel)
Maximun speed: 18 kt (* km/h) under sails, 8 knots under engines

The “Sagres” is the third ship in the Portuguese Navy that bears that name.

• 1937 – The Portuguese Navy training ship “Sagres”, a three masted barque was built at the Blohm & Voss shipyard Hamburg, Germany, under the name “Albert Leo Schlageter“. Originally a training vessel for the “Kriegsmarine“. Sistership to “Gorch Fock”, “Horst Wessel” and “Mircea”. A fourth sister, the “Herbert Norkus”, was never completed.

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• 1944 – Back to service after being used as a stationary office after the outbreak of WWII. That year, on 14 november is hitted by a Soviet mine off the coast of Sassnitz.

• 1948 – Sold to Brazil by the United States of America. Renamed “Guanabara“.

• 1961 – Bought by Portuguese Navy to replace the old Sagres (I), which returned to Hamburg recovering it’s original name “Rickmer Rickmers” as a floating museum.

Ship’s characteristics

Type: Three masted barque
Hull: Steel
Shipyard: Blohm & Voss (Hamburg), Germany
Crew: 140 persons
Height: 42 m (* ft)
Sparred Lenght: 89 m (295 ft)
Length waterline: * m
Beam: 12 m (40 ft)
Draft: 5.2 m (17 ft)
Displacement: 1,755 tons
Sail Area: 2,000 m² (31,000 sq ft) 22 sails
Engines: 2 x MTU 12V 183 TE92 750bhp (diesel)
Maximun speed: 17 kt under sails, 10,5 knots under engines

Sail Training International is a registered charity (not for profit organisation) with worldwide membership and activities. With the purpose of developing and educating young people of all nationalities, cultures, religions and social backgrounds through the sail training experience.

To achieve this goal, a range of activities and services are programmed every year. These include conferences and seminars, races and other events for sail training Tall Ships, publications and DVD presentations, international research and the Class A Tall Ships Forum (for the operators of big square-rigged sail training ships). Their members are the national sail training organisations of Australia, Belgium, Bermuda, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sweden, UK and USA.

The Tall Ships’ Races summer series are organised annually for young people in European waters, as well as other events in Europe and elsewhere in the world, including the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge – the next of which will be held in 2009. The member national organisations also organise regular races and cruises for sail training ‘Tall Ships’ and ‘Small Ships’ in North America, Europe and elsewhere in the world.

Sail Training Internacional: Media Brief

The first Tall Ships’ Race was held in 1956. The original idea had been to bring together the last of the world’s sail training ships in a final farewell to the age of sail, while also bringing together the youth of the world’s seafaring people in friendly competition. However, this race proved so popular that they are still going strong today. The races are currently supported (2004 – 2009) by the City, Port and Province of Antwerp. Each year between 70 and 100 vessels from 15-20 countries, crewed by some 5-6,000 young people from over 30 countries worldwide, take part in this unique event that combines four days of activities in each port with racing or cruising-in-company between ports. During the race series the young crews get the chance to gain experience by sailing with their contemporaries from other countries while facing the physical and emotional challenges that only the ocean can provide.

A ‘Tall Ship’ is not necessarily one of the big square-riggers Entry is open to any mono-hull sailing vessel of more than 9.14m water line length, provided that at least 50 percent of the crew are aged between 15-25 years and that the vessel meets Sail Training International’s safety equipment requirements. A race series, timed to coincide with school holidays in July and August, last between four and six weeks and usually include two races separated by a cruise in company. Each port organises a programme of social events for the crews, which usually includes a Captains’ dinner, sporting and cultural activities and a party for the young trainees. The final day in port includes a crew parade through the streets and a prize-giving. The arrival of the ships, berthing, undocking and the Parade of Sail are all handled by each port’s harbourmaster, while a system of volunteer liaison officers, undertaken by local people, look after each vessel and its crew.

Sail Training International Friendship Trophy.

The principle award at the end of each race series is the Sail Training International Friendship Trophy. This trophy epitomises the objective of the races. It is awarded to the vessel which, in the opinion of the entire race fleet, has done most to help further international understanding and friendship during the races Future Races. The Tall Ships’ Races are held every summer in European waters. Sail Training International and its member organisations also organise races and events elsewhere in the world and at other times of the year. Sail Training International’s member organisation in the US organises a summer series called The Tall Ships Challenge, and member organisations in Europe organise smaller events, usually for the smaller vessels in the fleet.Sail Training International: Media Brief

Races and Festivals for sail training Tall Ships really began in the mid 1950s. The idea of an international race for sail training Tall Ships, manned by crews drawn from cadets and seamen under training, and to mark what was expected to be the end of the age of sail, was first discussed informally in 1953. The ‘Sail Training International Race Committee’ was established and plans were made for a race between Torbay in the UK and Lisbon in Portugal in July 1956.

But instead of marking the end of the age of sail, this first Tall Ships Race heralded the dawn of a new age for sailing ships and sail training.

Over the decades since, many new sail training Tall Ships have been built, big and small, and many older ships have been converted to sail training. The fleet that participates in The Tall Ships’ Races in Europe has grown from just 20 in 1956 to sometimes well over 100 today.

The European races gave rise to two important developments: First, the creation of national sail training organisations around the world (for a list of these, click here…), and second, the development of many other races, events and festivals for sail training Tall Ships.

Two races for sail training Tall Ships around the north Atlantic have been staged, in 1992 and 2000, with another now scheduled for 2009. The American Sail Training Association hold an annual series of Tall Ships Challenge events that today attracts a fleet of some 10-15 vessels. (For more on the ASTA Tall Ships Challenge, click here…) In 1997 a Tall Ships race was organised in the waters around Japan, and in 2002 one was held in waters around Korea. Special races have also been organised specifically for the smaller vessels, such as the Small Ships Races organised by the UK’s Association of Sea Training Organisations (for more on this click here) and the annual Nordic Sail involving Norway, Sweden and Denmark.

The growth of races for sail training Tall Ships also heralded the growth of maritime festivals, some including sail training Tall Ships, others specifically for them. In recent years the schedule of these events has become crowded, so in 2004 Sail Training International established its Endorsed Events programme to help coordinate dates and provide a mechanism for mutual support and promotion. (For more detail on Endorsed Events, click here). This programme began in Europe but will soon be extended to other regions of the world.

The first Tall Ships Race in 1956 was established by an organisation called the Sail Training International Race Committee. This became a permanent body, changing over the years through other incarnations as the UK Sail Training Association, the International Sail Training Association and finally back to its roots as a new charity in 2003, Sail Training International.

For more on the first race of 1956 click here…

Previous Ports and Dates
Race Entries for past 20 years
2003 Race Results
2003 Race Prizes
2004 Race Results
2004 Race Prizes
2005 Race Results
2005 Race Prizes
2006 Race Results
2006 Race Prizes
2007 Mediterreanean Race Results
2007 Mediterranean Race Prizes
2007 Baltic Race Results
2007 Baltic Race Prizes

Report of 2005 Tall Ships’ Races
Report of 2006 50th Anniversary Tall Ships’ Races

Past Winners of Friendship Trophy

Sail training is an adventure activity for people of all ages and abilities. It includes instruction in all aspects of sailing but its purpose goes far, far beyond this. Sail training uses the experience of being at sea principally as a means to help people learn about themselves, discover hidden strengths and talents, and understand the value of others and of working as a team.

In some programmes today it forms the setting for much wider aspects of education at sea. Sail training requires participants to confront many demanding challenges, both physical and emotional. It is an activity that inspires self-confidence and the acceptance of personal responsibility. It promotes and acceptance of others whatever their social or cultural backgrounds, and develops a willingness to take controlled risks. For most who undertake sail training, it is a positive life-changing experience.

Most sail training vessels are owned and operated by charities or foundations, schools or universities, governments or other institutions. They generally seek to reflect the breadth of social backgrounds in society at large in the crews they attract. Many have funding programmes to subsidise the participation of those who could not otherwise afford it. Some also run special programmes for those with physical, mental or social difficulties.

Sail training takes place all over the world and in many different types of vessel. Some of the most effective programmes take place on small vessels, with the benefit and intimacy of working on board within a small team. Different challenges confront those who undertake sail training on the large and glamorous square-rigged ships, with much demanding work aloft as well as on deck. Sail training is a growing adventure activity for the young and old everywhere, with a record of considerable success in developing men and women of character and ability for the challenges of life.

Sail Training International: Media Brief

Portuguese Navy’s Navio Scola NRP Sagres, departing the port of Cadiz during the 50th Aniversary Tall Ships’ Races

The findings of the biggest ever international study into the value and effectiveness of sail training for young people are announced today. The study concludes that sail training does exactly what its proponents claim it does.

The independent worldwide research project was commissioned and funded by Sail Training International and its member national sail training organisations. It was carried out by the prestigious University of Edinburgh, highly respected internationally for research on education in non-formal settings including the outdoors.

The study reveals four important findings:

· Young trainees who participate in off-shore sail training programmes show measurable improvements in social confidence and their ability to work with others … and the benefits are sustained over time after the voyage experience.

· The most common reasons for young people wanting to participate in a sail training voyage are the anticipation of adventure, making new friends, seeing new places and conquering their fear of heights … with seasickness, a fear of heights, and a concern about being among strangers in a confined space the main anxieties.

· The positive value of the sail training experience transcends national and cultural boundaries and is not much influenced by the size or rig of the vessel.

· The most effective sail training experience in developing social confidence and teamwork skills is delivered by vessel operators who offer well structured educational programmes … the more emphasis there is on defined and purposeful activity relating to these goals, the more successful the programme is in those terms.

The full report is available to sail training operators from their national organisation, or by special arrangement from Sail Training International.

ABOUT THE STUDY

Fieldwork for the study was conducted in the middle months of 2006 with follow-up interviews towards the end of the year and early 2007. The participating vessels were selected by the University of Edinburgh. The study involved observations and interviews with more than 300 young trainees (aged 15-25) on 34 voyages of 5-15 days duration on 17 sail training vessels of different sizes and rigs from 13 countries around the world. Observations and interviews were conducted before, during and up to six months after the voyage. Field work was conducted by ‘indigenous researchers’ from each of the participating countries following an intensive training programme organised by the University of Edinburgh. Analysis of more than 1,000 field-work reports was conducted by five of the University’s Moray House School of Education faculty.

How my first tall ships adventure has led me to want to work with them regularly.

By Melissa Joy

Prince William (arriving in Portsmouth 8^th Sept 2007)

I’d been interested in tall ships for a few years before I went on my first voyage, and I’d been studying them mainly through the internet. Following that initial interest, I knew I needed to do the research in order to write as well considering I am also an aspiring fantasy writer. For a long time I’d wanted to sail on a tall ship to get the hands on experience for both of these things, but hadn’t been able to afford it. However, when my 21st birthday came in August 2007, that all changed.

My older brother asked me what I wanted for that birthday, and told me that he wanted to do something very memorable for me. I said that I would love to do a day sail on a tall ship, and would like to do it in Portsmouth so that I could visit HMS Victory as well. On my birthday, my brother surprised me with the paperwork that said I’d be sailing on a tall ship for a week from Barry in South Wales to Portsmouth. At first, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing or hearing, but the excitement soon settled in.

Roughly three weeks later when I came to do the voyage, of course I was nervous and afraid of embarrassing myself in front of others. For a long time I’d been an introvert and not very social. I didn’t have many friends that I could see on a regular basis as most of them worked a lot of the time or they lived a great distance away. Instead, I amazed myself. I got along with everyone and I settled in very quickly. I already had some knowledge of tall ships from my research online, but it wasn’t going to stand up to actually sailing on one and working as a member of the crew.

I sailed on the Tall Ships Youth Trust’s brig Prince William with other people of my age range, and loved every minute of it. I was a member of perhaps the most spontaneous and excitable watch on board; humour and laughter being the two main highlights of being with them. I actually started to feel sad when the voyage was rapidly coming to an end. What it taught me though was how to socialise better, how to be an effective team member, and how to live life to its full potential. I really felt empowered.

Since that voyage, I have sailed with the Jubilee Sailing Trust on board LORD NELSON (November 2007), and have also taken up volunteering for both of these trusts. The ocean calls me now, and every time I’m at the coast I long for the next time I’ll get to be out on it sailing on a tall ship. I’ve found a big part of myself in sailing on these magnificent vessels, and enjoy sharing my experiences with other people. For some people it’s a once in a lifetime experience, but for me it’s something I’m going to do continually as much as I can. I am now looking into short term maritime courses that I hope will allow me to take part in working with tall ships more. My next voyage is already arranged, and that will be in the Caribbean on board Stavros S Niarchos in April 2008.

You can contact Melissa Joy on Facebook
or visit her website