Fleet finally underway

1000hrs and the fleet were due to start undocking and gathering for the wonderful Parade of Sail.  However, it was apparent that the early morning fog was going to be slow to lift, and accordingly the pilot station had already postponed the undocking by an hour, then another hour….

The pilot station kept the fleet informed by radio about when the next assessment would be made.  The morning dragged on with the fog lifting slightly, weak sunshine breaking through in places and hopes being raised, only for the quayside to be shrouded in mist again within moments.  A mile inland the sun shone brilliantly. A  complete lack of wind to disperse the fog was part of the problem.  

Aside to the fog problem, having received confirmation of the metrological report for the next 24 hours which predicts variable winds of less than 5 kts, the race committee met to make a decision on the race start.  It was reluctantly decided to postpone the race start and implement instructions for the fleet to sail under engine to the first waypoint (Farilhao lighthouse) where the communications ship will establish a start line for a delayed start at midday GMT on 24 September.

By mid afternoon concerns were mounting that the fog would not clear until much later in the day, if at all.  The pilots advised that if it had not cleared by 1830hrs local time it may be too late to get the fleet out before dark.    Then at 1545hrs the fog suddenly lifted sufficiently for the Chief Pilot to be satisfied the fleet could get out of the harbour safely. 

Pilots and tugs deployed in record time and by 1600 Sedov (Russia) led the fleet through the harbour entrance, to the delight of the crowds who had been waiting patiently since 9am for the amazing spectacle.

However, before too long the fog was back and visibility dropped down to less than 100m.   As the waiting crowds were unable to see the ships it was decided to cancel the parade of sail and allow the ships to set a course under engine to the first waypoint for the delayed start. 

As each vessel rounded the headland she disappeared ghostlike into the eerily quiet  curtain of fog.  Nature had taken it upon herself to bring a disappointing end to a wonderful festival in Ilhavo. 

Twice daily reports and fleet tracking will appear on this website from tomorrow (Wednesday) including following the fleet down to the first waypoint.