It was the most unusual regatta in a long time: four sister ships, virtually identical in design, going head-to-head. Tall ships, training vessels. We are talking about the Five Sisters Trophy, which was held for only the second time. As in the first edition 50 years ago, the “Gorch Fock”, the German Navy’s training ship, emerged victorious once again. The silver trophy, crafted by Tiffany’s, will therefore remain on board.
From New York to Boston
The race took place during the joint crossing from New York to Boston, as part of the celebrations taking place there to mark the 250th anniversary of the USA’s founding. The measurement was taken over a 60-nautical-mile stretch off the Cape Cod peninsula; the decisive factor was the time taken to complete the journey between the start and finish points.
In perfect conditions under full sail, the “Gorch Fock” was the fastest of the four boats. It took 7 hours 30 minutes to complete the course – 38 minutes faster than the “Eagle”, on which the US Coast Guard trains its cadets. She secured second place, followed by Portugal’s “Sagres” (one hour behind) and “Mircea” from Romania (two hours behind).
Awards ceremony in Boston
Afterwards, all four ships took part in the grand arrival parade in Boston – the opening event of the anniversary celebrations there – alongside dozens of other tall ships and training vessels from all over the world, which had also sailed from New York – though they were not competing.
The prize-giving ceremony took place yesterday, Sunday, in Boston Harbour. In the presence of the captains of the other three sister ships, Captain Elmar Bornkessel of the “Gorch Fock” was able to lift the trophy, donated in 1976 – the cup remains on board.
The crew’s success
This special experience is also reflected in the commander’s words to his crew: “This success belongs to my crew. We really did pull out all the stops in terms of sailing,” said Bornkessel.
There was no shortage of congratulations on the three older sister ships either: “It was an honour to take part in this wonderful competition alongside our sisters. See you at sea,” wrote the commander of the Mircea on Facebook. The US Coast Guard ended its post with the words: “Bravo Zulu” – well done!
More about the “Gorch Fock” in the USA
- Opinion: Five Sisters Trophy – it’s do-or-die for the “Gorch Fock”.
- 250 years of the USA: “Gorch Fock” – Training ship sets sail for America
- Sail the 4th 250: The “Gorch Fock” is taking part in New York – along with a yacht from Germany
Christian Tiedt
Editor Travel
