Its a family affair

It really will be a family affair when Tecla (Netherlands) sets out for the race start this afternoon owned and crewed by the Sluik family.  Skippered by the father, managed by the mother and crewed by daughter Jet (pictured) and her brother plus the family dog, Nyske, who is a veteran of tall ship racing having raced in the summer series of The Tall Ships' Races (even appearing in the crew parade!).  The family will be joined by 7 trainees, only 2 of whom have sailed before.   "We have a truly international group of trainees for this race - Portuguese, English, Australian and Dutch, which is great" commented Jet.

The Tall Ships' Races saw Tecla and Far Barcelona (Spain) racing head to head until Far Barcelona retired, so the scene is set for an exciting race to Ilhavo.

Also preparing to get underway and hoping for success in the races is the crew of the tri-services cutter Endeavour (UK).  With their 14 crew members drawn from the British Armed Forces (plus one civil servant for good measure) only 3 have previously sailed in this class of vessel.  The mixed crew are confident of a high placing.