Bark Europa - Tall Ships Race 2012 - Leg 2 - Lisbon to Cadiz

Join the Bark Europa  as she races from Lisbon to Cadiz on the second leg of the Tall Ships Race 2012.

The Tall Ships Races are an annual event in European waters where a spectacular collection of vessels gather for several weeks of exciting racing and festivals. Each host port organises a programme of social, sports and cultural events, a crew parade through the streets and other activities which enable the crews from more than 30 countries to meet and visit each other's ships. The Races are very popular with spectators and regularly attract up to a million visitors in each host port.

From Lisbon, the second leg of the Tall Ship Races in 2012 will head back up into Spanish waters, crossing the finish line at Cadiz.. The Tall Ship Races are a lovely mix of socialising and sailing, and although everyone wants to win, just being a part of the collective energy and excitement is fantastic.

Sail Europa - the square rigger that likes to really sail

Bark Europa wanders the worlds oceans making good use of the trade winds. To join the tall ships in St Malo she has sailed from South America via Antarctica to Cape Town and North via St Helena, Ascension and the Azores. In 2010 she raced around Cape Horn with 9 other square riggers and in 2009 she took part in the North Atlantic Challenge Tall Ships Race, coming first overall in the full series of race legs, as well as an award for the most nationalities on board.

This Dutch run ship has a reputation for sailing almost upto the dock without reverting to engines, and she can set over 30 sails. Her main and foremast carry Course, Lower Topsail, Upper topsail, T'gallant, royal and sometimes a skysail. She has extra booms to fly stun'sails in light wind conditions or racing.

The working language is English, but the style is very Dutch -  relaxed and informal...but they aim to win.

Why Participate in a Tall Ships Race ?

It is not often you get to sail a three masted sailing ship to its full potential through the day and night, and Bark Europa carries more sail than most. The thrill of seeing a large Russian tall ship chasing you at dawn, or a fleet of tall ships sailing down between the Western Isles is something that few people experience in a lifetime. Spectactors on the shore will never sit on the royal yard and look down at acres of sail and the sea rushing down the side of the ship as 300 tons of hull lifts and surges through the seas.

There will be scarey moments and you will get to know your crewmates better in a few days tall ships race than many friends you have known for years. Tall ship sailors are a rare breed and its a very small worldwide community you are joining. It can lead to a lifetime of adventures (it did for me).

These events are also a photographers dream and this year the host ports are fairly intimate places with a very strong maritime heritage.

Not Just for Youth - Adult Berths are like Gold Dust.

This is the ultimate youth summer event if you want to meet 16-25 year old sailors from countries around the world, but there are also adult berths for those that can stand the pace (actually the adults often set the pace !). Each ship must be crewed by at least 50% young crews under 25 so adult berths are limited so don't leave it too late.

Lisbon

Lisbon's history has always been tied to the sea.  In 1500, it was the centre for the Portuguese Navigations and it was sailing down the Tagus river that Portugal's brave navigators went out to sea to discover the world.

In 1956 the city welcomed The Tall Ships Races for the very first event and became part of the huge celebration of youth and sail training that has lasted year after year.  The amazing fleet returned to Lisbon in 1982, 1992, 1998 and 2006 and this experienced port is looking forward to welcoming the Tall Ships back again in 2012!

From the 19th to the 22nd July, the Tall Ships fleet will be moored right next to the old part of the city providing a unique and magnificent experience.  A daily entertainment programme is being planned and the entire city is committed to making this event an unforgettable experience for Captains, crews and visitors.

Cadiz

Cadiz is a city that is open to the sea,  its three thousand years of history are marked by a maritime tradition that lives on to this day.  Cadiz also has a great tradition of Tall Ships Races, with events in 1992, 2000 and 2006 all of which have been a great success.

In July 2012 Cadiz will again host a Tall ships event.  This time however it will be a particularly special celebration.  The city`s grand maritime tradition will join with the commemoration of the Bicentenary of the first Spanish Constitution which was drawn up in Cadiz in 1812.

Cadiz has been chosen as Iberoamerican Culture Capital and host city for the Iberoamerican Heads of State and Government Summit in 2012.  These two important events together with the stopover of The Tall Ships Races will form the base of the cities Bicentenary celebrations.

Cadiz is a city steeped in maritime history, from the Phoenicians, to the voyages to the New World. The city’s historical centre reflects this in its architecture and monuments, making it ideal for walking around.

Cadiz is also a gastronomic paradise with a grand variety of restaurants and tapas bars. In addition to this is the city’s sunny, warm climate and the friendliness of its people which will make your stopover at The Tall Ships Races unforgettable.

The ships will be docked alongside in Cadiz from 26th - 29th July 2012.