THE TALL SHIP CLASS
By Capt. Uli
Pruesse
There really is no difference between a little
classic boat, a grand classic yacht or a tall
ship at the start of a race. The point is that
all the crews, owners, friends, charter guests
and passengers have the same reason for being in
Antigua for this event. That is to meet each
other, to share the beauty of the classic yachts
and ships, to perform with good classic
seamanship and good will, to enjoy the friendship
and harmony possible ( without protest ) and to
have fun in and around the azure waters of
Antigua. Each yacht or tall ship, from ports near
and far will have the same challenge to work with
the weather, navigation and seamanship. So we are
actually more alike than different.
Nothing in the world is more exciting than
seeing extraordinary yachts, windjammers or tall
ships racing or parading around the course. These
events attract millions to witness the history
and adventure these vessels represent. Many of
the tall ships world wide are naval vessels and
training ships with young cadets learning the
same lessons of the sea that their ancestors had
mastered.
The “hands across the water” aspect
of a tall ship event should not be under
estimated. The majestic ships are always a
welcome reminder of the past. Many of our
ancestors traveled from their homelands to
distant and unknown shores on great ships just
like these. Battles were fought, fortunes were
made or lost, lives were sacrificed and new lands
were discovered on these tall ships. What mystery
and magic is imagined just by being in the
presence of these magnificent vessels, and the
stories they could tell.
As the Commander of the 366’ tall ship
“Star Clipper” I am reminded daily of
the trials and tribulations of the men who
Captained and crewed these ships in the past. My
own father regaled me with the stories of his
time as a crew member on the “ Flying P
Liners’’ Passat, Potosi, Peking, and
Pamir, when he was a young man.. What an
education he had !
I introduced the concept of bringing the
“Tall Ships” to our Antigua Classic
Yacht Regatta as a permanent class, because they
connect the past to the present. From the
smallest to the largest, the fun, camaraderie and
competition is the same. These ambassadors of
peace and goodwill around the globe gave me the
idea to name the trophy for this class, “
The Tall Ship’s World Peace Cup.”
I thank the Antigua government officials, the
people of Antigua, the Antigua Classic Yacht
Regatta committee, participants and sponsors for
making our first year such a great success.
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