Race Update 9: Thursday 18 September am

And the winner is...

The race has now ended and the Russian ships have maintained their lead, with Sedov (Russia) - pictured - finishing first overall and first in class, managing to stay ahead of Mir (Russia), who finished second overall and second in class.  Alexander von Humboldt (Germany) finished a well deserved third in class and third overall.   All above postions are on corrected time.

In Class B, C and D, Far Barcelona (Spain) - pictured - finished triumphant on corrected time and fifth overall.  Tecla (Netherlands) finished second in class and eighth overall, followed by Spaniel (Latvia), who has performed consistantly well throughout this race, finishing third in class and tenth overall on corrected time.

On the water Steppe (Belgium) is in front, followed by Mir, Endeavour and Sedov in that order. 

Shabab Oman (Oman), brings up the rear of the fleet, with Tecla and Gedania (Poland) are neck and neck. 

These results are interim and revised placings may be posted later. All vessels are now able to turn on their engines and make for Ilhavo, with the first ships expected to arrive during today.

A reminder that the Race Committee very reluctantly decided to bring forward the race time limit to 0500 GMT 18 September for Class A vessels and 0530 GMT for Class B, C and D vessels. The decision was taken in order to fulfill Sail Training International's commitment to have the fleet in Ilhavo by midday on 20 September.

The next report is due to be posted at around 2000 hrs on Thursday.