Funchal celebrations officially open

The President of City of Funchal, Dr Miguel Albuquerque, has officially opened the regatta, in the presence the fleet captains and hundreds of trainees and naval cadets. 

Under a leaden sky the presidential party took to the stage while the municipal band of Funchal played.  After a short speech, the President handed the microphone to Race Chairman Bernard Heppener, who spoke in both Portuguese and English, to express the gratitude of Sail Training International for the warm welcome the fleet had received since arriving in Funchal three days earlier than scheduled. 

The ships have already been visited by many members of the public, and many thousands more are expected before the fleet leaves on Sunday for the Parade of Sail, the official end of the celebrations.  The Parade will be at 1200 GMT rather than the later time advertised locally.

This evening the captains will enjoy the hospitality of the city during the Captains Dinner at Forte de Sao Tiago.