Crowds flock to see the ships

An estimated 40,000 visitors came to view the ships yesterday, and that number is expected to increase today.  Late into the evening local people came to view the spectacle.  This morning queues were forming to board the ships long before the official opening time. 

Yesterday evening the Captains enjoyed a superb tour and meal at the llhavo Maritime Museum.  The Mayor, Jose Agostinlio Ribau Esteves, presented each Captain with a certificate of citizenship as well as a specially crafted ornamental boat. Signe Andersone, Captain of Spaniel (Latvia), gave a moving reply to the Mayor's speech on behalf of the Captains.  "Eight years ago I joined Spaniel as a trainee, and its hard to believe that I stand here as Captain and now teach others to enjoy the freedom of the sea" said Signe. 

Sports events continue this morning in the Oudinot Garden, at the beach, and in the local forest.  Prizes for the sports competitions will be presented this evening at the crew party.

Pics:  Crew from Mir (Russia) play football against a liaison officers.

Sedov (Russia) and Alexander von Humboldt (Germany) alongside in the early morning sun.