Crew parade enchants Funchal

Applause, laughter and good spirits were provided by the huge number of onlookers who lined the streets of Funchal for the crew parade. 

The crews, some in fancy dress, others in military uniform, marched to the sound of a multitude of bands provided by the city of Funchal and the fleet itself.   It was hard not to join in as musicians from Cuauhtemoc (Mexico), Shabab Oman (Oman) and Capitan Miranda (Uruguay) played and danced their way along the route to the prize giving arena in the City Hall Square.

Following the race prize awards (see Race Results for final confirmed positions), the ever popular special prizes were awarded as follows:

Presented by Sail Training International

STI Communications Prize, awarded to the vessel which, in the opinion of the Communications Officers, contributed most to the running of the radio schedules in Race 2.  Prize awarded to Kaliakra (Bulgaria).

Cook longest at sea, awarded to Ineke de Kam, Astrid (Netherlands).

Presented by the City of Funchal

Best ship in the crew parade awarded to Cuauhtemoc (Mexico).

Ship furthest from home port awarded to Shabab Oman (Oman).

Youngest trainee in the fleet awarded to Kataryznya Kabycz, Pogoria, aged 15.

Oldest trainee in the fleet awarded to Fred Best, Tecla, aged 80.

Vessel with the largest number of nationalities on board (6) awarded toTecla (Netherlands).

The much coveted Funchal 500 Tall Ships Regatta Friendship Trophy, presented by Sail Training International and voted for by the fleet themselves, was awarded to Shabab Oman.

The crews will celebrate this evening at the Crew Party in the Madeira Wine Institute.