The Tall Ships’ Races 2008 got off to a great start today at 1500 hrs local. The start line was established approximately two hours before the scheduled start time with the RFA Lyme Bay as the committee boat, HMS Merseyas the end of the line vessel and HMS Grimsby the No Go zone.

Weather and Sea conditions were almost perfect with a wind from the South East and a strength of 12 to 16 knots. The sea was calm with a slight swell from the North and the tide was setting to the East at a rate of 1.5 to 2 knots. The sky was almost clear of clouds and the whole area was bathed in sunshine giving good visibility.
Class A start saw a very competitive start with Dar Mlodziezy (Poland) starting first, closely followed by Eendracht (Netherlands) and then Cuauhtemoc (Mexico).

Class B again was also very competitive and close to the committee boat. Jolly Brise (UK) had to slow down before crossing the start line in front of Stina Mari (Norway) who was closely followed by Etoile (France) who crossed the line in third place at the other end of the line.

Class C start was a little more sedate and spread out along the line. Spaniel (Latvia) crossed the start line first at the other end of the line, Esprit (Germany)was second across the line in the centre, while Ocean Spirit of Moray(UK) chose the committee boat end and crossed in third place.

The Class D start was with spinnakers flying. First to set their spinnaker was Urania (Netherlands) but they were beaten to the line by St Barbara V (UK). Urania crossed in second followed by Akela (Russia).

The line was broken soon after the last vessel had crossed the start line and the start team were transferred by boat from the RFA Lyme Bay to the smaller vessel HMS Grimsby and then to shore.

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