Tycho,
Glad you enjoyed the Tall Ships Races at Falmouth.
It reminds me of when I was in the '82 Race from there to Lisbon, in a small schooner. We didn't win any prizes, but it was great fun to take part in, and I did a few more after that. Although there are of course prizes, the most coveted is that (in those days called the 'Cutty Sark' Trophy) which is given for the ship which shows the best spirit and comradeship. This has often gone to vessels which have given up any chance of winning a prize themselves, to go to assist another ship which is in trouble. Having said that the Races are of course carefully monitored and a warship (usually) accompanies the fleet, to which the ships have to report in every day. From this they can keep an eye on any ship - and also work out their placings. The object of these Tall Ships Races is not really about the racing, although this of course is exciting, but so that young people of all nations can join together and get to know each other.
I seem to remember at Falmouth that we looked at the land, saw the sun winking off all the cars on the headlands, and said 'I'm glad I'm not over there in all that crowd!' Very often people ashore get frustrated that the ships don't set all sail, but there are reasons for that. Very often the wind direction doesn't allow of it and it is safer, especially for the larger ships such as 'Sedov', if the start line for the Race is some distance off shore. You say that Sedov and other Russian ships are not allowed within British ports, but I remember seeing and also going board them in Newcastle in '86 and at the Portsmouth Festival of the Sea in 2001, I think it was. Have they had a new directive from above one wonders?
I have sailed on 'Astrid' twice and found her a very friendly vessel. She was under British ownership then, but was built in Holland. I found the smaller ships much more friendly, and although the large ships like Sedov are imposing, you don't tend to get to know that many people aboard, even by the end of a cruise.
Kester
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