Goodbye Ilhavo, until next time..

For the second day the fleet have woken up to heavy fog, which today has resulted in a delay on one hour in leaving the port for the Parade of Sail.  Preparations have continued in earnest with sails being made ready, decks scrubbed and crew briefings taking place.

Yesterday evening the social activities concluded with a singing competition, entered by several talented ships.  The judging panel included theIlhavo Regatta co-ordinator, the Mayor of Ilhavo and, in the role usually taken by Simon Cowell, the race director, Peter Newell.  After much deliberation, the winner was Shebab Oman, who had brought the whole of the Gardens alive with their singing, dancing and musicality. 

Pics: (top) Preparing for sea

(below) winners of the singing competition